And the winner is....

Sara B! Congratulations Sara on being our 500th newsletter subscriber. She signed up, went on vacation and returned to find out she was our winner. What a great week she said it turned out to be! She has chosen the Jasmine Black and White floral as her gift (a personal favorite).

I have been notified there seems to be a problem signing up to our newsletter. I am working on that for you. In the meantime you can visit our web site and sign up there as well. Keep an eye out for our next newsletter, it's on its way very soon.

Burn Calories with Every Step???

I was flipping through a magazine last night and saw a cute pair of casual sandals that look like a cross between tennis shoes and flip flops called Earth shoes. They caught my eye along with the statement that you can burn more calories with every step! So I went online to visit the site. Their Kalso Negative Heel Technology shifts your weight back, helping you burn calories while strengthening and toning your body. According to the web site you can achieve better breathing, a straighter posture, stronger core muscles, tighter thighs, and better leg and calf toning! I am definitely interested.

Take a look here at the shoes...I think they are cute. And if they do all they say they do...they are even cuter:) Has anyone bought a pair? Share your stories if you have. Would you buy a pair?

We are reaching 500!

Blue Orchid Handbags is reaching a milestone...500 newsletter subscribers! And because of that we want to give something away. Be the 500th person to subscribe and win a custom Jasmine clutch. Yep custom! Any fabric you want. It's simple just click on the link to the right and sign up. We have fashion tips, coupons, advice, all kinds of great stuff in our newsletter.

Don't worry if you have already signed up. Soon we will be having a contest open to all newsletter subscribers. Stay tuned!

My Own Labels

I was nearing the end of my stash of labels and unfortunately where I purchased them last time was not an option any longer. I read a few blog posts on how a few artists made their own. I decided to give it a try (after all I am a graphic designer). The result was not bad! Actually they turned out very nice. I am thrilled and now as with all creative minds...I have a ton of ideas swirling through my brain on all the wonderful things I could create with this new found skill and paper;)

Yes the embroidered expensive ones would be nice but then I would have to pass the cost on to the consumer and I simply don't wish to do that. Besides the bags are completely handcrafted why not the tags too!

If there is an interest...I will post a tutorial!

Fall 2008 Collection

I have spent the last few days working on fabric choices for the upcoming Fall/Winter '08 season and have to admit it's been very hard. I guess I am just not ready to let summer go! It's already July 11...once again I hear people saying where is the time going. Which is why while choosing fabric choices for the winter months I will do so while wearing shorts, tank tops, and flip flops:)

Since I mentioned Fall '08 I have to admit there are some gorgeous fabrics out there this year. I will give you a little scoop on the styles this fall...lush felted fabrics, textured surface designs and beautiful handles in wood and tortoise shell. Color choices are still being worked on but I am leaning towards deep blues, purples, and shades of brown.

Blue Orchid bags has been invited to attend the Sunday in the Valley shopping event in Las Vegas October 26th, 2008. It's by invitation only...both guests and designers...but it looks like a great opportunity for upcoming designers to connect with boutique owners and get a ton of media exposure. This is just an amazing opportunity and as I prepare for the show I will keep everyone updated!

In the News!

What a surprise this morning as I was enjoying my coffee and reading the paper. There in the style section of the Plain Dealer was a picture of my bags! I nearly wore my coffee when I saw that. The article is showcasing the Rovals boutique and right there in the middle of the picture are my bags! How exciting. If you want to read the article you can here unfortunately there is no picture.

Some of our summer bags are on sale at Etsy...take a look before they are gone:)