Help for the Overstuffed Handbag - How Mesh Purse Pouches Saved My Life!

My overstuffed disgrace of a handbag

The other night, we were one our way to a working women’s girl’s night out and, being in the passenger seat, my friend Jo Anne made me her designated handbag holder. As she reached over to fish out her keys, I couldn’t help but notice how disturbingly organized it was in there. (The odds of finding a pen, better yet a credit card, in my bag are about as good as making it up that rope ladder to win a giant stuffed Tweety Bird at the state fair!)

Jo Anne's disturbingly neat bag

Jo Anne’s bag was filled with colorful — almost weightless — mesh pouches that not only allowed her to group like items, but to see through the pouches to the contents. I was nothing short of amazed at this simple solution to a problem I’m sure dates back to Mrs. Caveman trying to organize the inside of her hollowed out coconut.

Realizing her wallet was the heaviest thing in her bag, Jo Anne made the bold decision to eliminate it altogether. I’ve spent years thinking the wallet was the piece de resistance of the handbag. But despite trying every style known to mankind, I always end up with a wallet that won’t snap or zip, because it’s overstuffed with change, cards and hundreds of receipts. I admit it. I’m a receipt keeper. Why I hold onto every piece of paper that tells me I spent $1.07 on an unsweetened tea from McDonald’s, I don’t know. I just know I need it. Don’t judge me.

But I digress. Jo Anne’s life changed when she discovered, Walker Products' sturdy colorful mesh pouches in assorted sizes, shapes and colors. She uses the pouches to group and color code like items.

“I have a green dollar-sized pouch for my money,” she says. “I could do bills in one pouch and coins in another, but I don’t. I put it all it one, because it’s easier to just pull out one thing.” Enlightened moment: My GOD, she’s eliminated the change purse too!

“Then, I have two colors of the credit card size pouch — one pink, one orange,” Jo Anne says. “I put my driver's license and the credit cards I use all the time in one pouch. In the other, I put the cards I rarely use … my library card, my health plan card, my beauty card from Sephora . . .”

Instead of having only one pouch for receipts, Jo Anne uses two different-colored pouches — one for everyday receipts and one for business expenses, “so everything’s easy to keep track of,” she says.

Finally, there’s a pouch for makeup and a small pouch for business cards. She uses the pockets built into her handbag for easy access to her phone and gum and the built in zippered pouch holds her keys, so she’s never scrounging. 

The colored pouch system serves a lot of purposes. Not only does it keep a handbag organized; it also lightens the load and helps maintain a bag's shape.

“A lot of today’s sophisticated handbag styles are very slim,” says Jo Anne. “You don’t want to overstuff them. The style is lost if your bag looks pregnant. These thin mesh pouches allow me to be organized, while keeping a slim silhouette.”  (Oh no, I’m thinking. My handbag has to look slim, too? I’ve lost 60 pounds since last March, but it never occurred to me that I need to Jenny Craig my pocketbook!)

So here I am, with my entire handbag world turned upside down — literally. Yesterday, I stopped into Zoey Bloom for a handbag makeover. The first thing we did was put my bag on a postage scale. It was pushing 7 pounds! That’s a baby! (And most people use wheels to haul around their babies!) My wallet alone rang in at a pound and a quarter. No wonder my neck and shoulders always ache. That’s what happens when your bag weighs the same as the chicken you roasted on Passover.

Jo Anne’s bag, with it’s colorful, mesh organizers weighed just 3 ½ pounds.

We emptied the contents of my purse onto the counter, and our fundamental difference in philosophy became clear. Jo Anne limits what she carries to essentials.  I’ve always thought the bigger the bag, the more I can haul.

Inside my bag were four hand lotions; two pain relievers; a wallet/change purse; a stand-alone change purse; a case for overflow credit cards; an iPod; checkbook; phone; Bluetooth; keys; gift cards still attached to the display cardboard; months of receipts; a Swarovski-studded credit card case; sunglasses; reading glasses; 2 lip balms; cuticle cream; 3 bottles of hand sanitizer; and enough feminine hygiene products to distribute to a small nation. There was a nutritional guide from Larry’s Subs, a brochure from the Seminole Heights shopping district ... 

My husband asked me if Jimmy Hoffa was in there.

We began eliminating the unnecessary clutter weighing me down. Whenever I go out, for instance, I throw in the lipstick and liner I’m wearing that day, but I never take them out. I just keep adding to a cosmetic stockpile.

We took out four pens, a highlighter and the Sharpie I carry just in case there’s a celebrity autograph opp. We removed rewards cards and library cards from the last two states I lived in, old receipts, brochures and handfuls of heavy coins. I need to go through this process weekly, because “stuff” accumulates. There were jet ski brochures from a Long Boat Key vacation more than a month ago.

Grouping like items, we figured five pouches should do it — one for money, one for receipts, one for the credit cards I use all the time, one for the cards I use only occasionally, and a big miscellaneous pouch for a my lip balm, pen, breath mints, hand lotion, sanitizer and other “floaters” which routinely end up at the bottom of my bag. I opted out of a make up pouch, because I really don’t reapply anything but lipstick, and that can go in my catch-all pouch.

My bag makeover

 I love being able to see through the pouches to the contents.  The one exception is my feminine products, which I opted to keep in a thin fabric cosmetic case, so they wouldn't be on display for every cashier in town.  And now I carry enough for a day, not a two-week Mediterranean cruise!

With my new zippered mesh pouches in contrasting colors, when I reach into my bag I now know what pouch to pull out in any given situation. My new handbag lost about four pounds!  And in case you're wondering:

Jimmy Hoffa’s still missing!

Walker mesh carrying cases in a variety of colors and sizes at Zoey Bloom:

3” x 4” (slightly bigger than a credit card or a business card)

4” x 5 (slightly bigger than a phone or iPod)

4” x 7” (slightly bigger than a dollar bill or a checkbook — perfect for receipts, pens and makeup brushes)

9 x 7 (a great size to fit all of your miscellaneous must haves)

It's Not Your Granny's Straw Bag!

Good news, girls! Summer’s straw bag has gotten a makeover! Say goodbye to those boxy or trapezoidal bucket-like bags that make a grown woman look like a college prep. And if straw gives you ‘Nam flashbacks to that shapeless tote granny brought back from the Bahamas — the one with the colorful 3D flowers or embroidered island women carrying fruit on their heads — think again!

Gone are the gaudy designs that seem like a good purchase after a few margarita’s in Cabo —those Mexican market finds snatched up in the excitement of travel, only to become knitting bags when we return to real life. 

The 21^st Century straw bag is sophisticated and sleek. And sometimes, it’s not made of straw at all. Today’s “straw bag” can be crafted with raffia, reeds, sea grass, rattan, even aromatic roots.

One definite bonus to today’s straw-like bags is that they are not only stylish, but much lighter to carry than leather. Different weaves create different patterns and textures, and many are topped with exotic wooden closures that add sculptural elements that turn your bag into a work of art.

From a loomed seagrass clutch to a rattan satchel trimmed with rosewood and brass, there’s a straw-like bag to fit every personality. And if you’re worried that these bags can’t be sturdy, think again. Rattan is used to make furniture!

Zoey Bloom’s unique collection of summer bags includes an adorable framed wicker satchel by Serpui Marie. Made in Spain, this is definitely not your granny’s straw bag! It features a bright orange handle that gives it a pop of color and a fashion edge! With a stitched leather flap and antique brass turnlock closure, this retro chic satchel is lined in soft khaki duckcloth that is so durable, they make tents out of the same material!

More exotic designs include a line of exquisite handbags made of vetiver root. Vetiveria zizaniodes is a scented tufted grass with an abundant fibrous root system. For centuries it has been used in cosmetics, aromatherapy, botanical pesticides, disinfectants, herbal drinks and, more recently, in handicrafts and home décor.  

Famous perfume brands like Guerlain, Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy use vetiver oil as a valuable ingredient. In traditional medicine it is known for its calming effects, as an antidepressant, and as an aphrodisiac. And in Asia it is also commonly used as insect repellant.

Mountain grown and harvested in Java, Indonesia, the vetiver roots are dried in the sun and hand woven by artisans. Each bag features a hand loomed cotton lining and rosewood accessories and/or handles. The shoulder bags use genuine cowhide straps for comfort and durability.

One of our favorite designs is the elongated, east-west bag (shaped like a canoe) with a rosewood and brass decorative bar. This handbag (featured at the top of this article) not only looks fantastic, but its soft, aromatic smell is refreshing. We can’t promise it will replace Prozac, repel mosquitoes or attract Mr. Right, but it sure will get you compliments when you wear it!

Look Out World, Here Comes the Next "IT" bag, Hammitt Los Angeles

The Hammitt Los Angeles collection of handbags combines the very finest leathers available with clean, crisp silhouettes and just the right amount of embellishment. More and more celebrities are being spotted around town carrying pieces from this up-and-coming collection, designed by former international model and successful Los Angeles stylist, Stef Hammitt.

Zoëy Bloom learned of the line after receiving a message from one of our jewelry designers, right after she returned from a trunk show in New York City. She said the ladies at the show were going crazy over these "fabulous" handbags and that she, herself, couldn't resist buying two! Keep in mind that this designer is not one to gush, but she raved about this collection and immediately forwarded us information on the line.

Of course, we absolutely loved what we saw! After speaking with the company's CEO, Tony Drockton, we knew we had to have these bags in our store! We couldn't be happier with this decision. Crafted from a quality of leather that can only be described as exemplary, every satchel, hobo, messenger and clutch is made by hand in Los Angeles. The handbags are lined with suede and made to last a very long time. The raw edges and semi-structured construction make each piece unique and add a sporty edge to the line. And the gold studs are plated in 24 karat gold, which gives them a lasting luster and rich color tone.

Stef Hammitt's star is definately on the rise, with this winning collection. You've probably seen Hammit bags on Gossip Girl, Entourage, and possibly on Hannah Montana. Fashion-conscious celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Lindsey Lohan and Paris Hilton all have been spotted carrying Hammitt bags. Kelly Rippa is modeling Hammitt's Westwood crossbody messenger in the picture to the left.  As embellished and studded accessories and apparel gain rapid importance in today's fashions, Hammitt Los Angeles is perfectly poised to become the world's next "IT" bag. They have indeed managed to stitch a little "L.A." in every bag!

Designer "IT" Bags are Loosing Their Appeal - Women are Opting for Unique

Monday, January 26, 2009

Designer "IT" Bags are Loosing Their Appeal - Women are Opting for Unique

An article I read a while ago titled “’It’ bags are out,” says it nicely. According to the January 2008 article in The Wall Street Journal, which notes that “The proliferation of knockoffs has helped erode the mystique of owning a high-end bag. Affluent customers have grown confident in their own sense of style and (are) increasingly turning to unique accessories to set themselves apart from the crowd.”

I agree 1000 percent. Who wants to look like everyone else anyhow. When you own the "It" bag, not only do you look like everybody else with money ... you look like many others who buy copies on the street for $25 in the same season! Really, show your own personal style ladies!

It's is exciting to see so many fresh and creative designers out there turning out high quality like SHIH and Treesje in handbags, Claudia Lobao and Dana David in fashion jewelry.

Women are having fun with fashion again and their options are growing every day!

The Forcast for 2009 is Bright and Sunny!

Even before Michelle Obama's wonderful bright and colorful clothing was in the spotlight, color was in the cards for spring and summer 2009. Color makes people smile, it energizes and lifts the spirit. It is just what we need as we enter into this new year of renewed hope; we have been through a lot! Vibrant shades of emerald, purple, hot pink, orange and yellow will pump some energy back into us again. Carry a bright handbag like these from SHIH and Kooba, along with your other accessories like these earrings by Jose and Maria Barrera for evening and you will bring your wardrobe up to date. It will really change the look and don't be surprised if it doesn't change your outlook as well!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

A Unique Boutique in Tampa

Zoey Bloom, in Tampa, Florida has the right idea. They built a store that offers their customers stylish alternatives to the logo designer bags like Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton etc. Not only is it refreshing to see so many really cool looking alternatives, it is refreshing to know that they are available at 1/4 of the price!

Another benefit of such a store is that you are not going to be seeing these bags on every other woman in town! They buy one or two (max) of most everything and they also have real fashion in ther fashion jewelry. You can buy those huge hoops and chandelier earrings you see in the fashion magazines and on celebrities.

From the moment you walk in the door, you feel as though you have been projected to New York's trendy, Madison Avenue. The only difference is that at Zoey Bloom, you can actually receive old-fashioned, personal service! Visit them on-line at http://www.zoeybloom.net

Thursday, January 22, 2009

The First

Hi Everyone,

Jim is my name, and this is my first post. (no, this is not a 12 step program)

I am part owner of Zoey Bloom Inc. and www.zoeybloom.net , a better woman's accessory boutique and Web store located in Tampa, Florida. My partner is Jo Anne.

I look forward to sharing with you notes, observations, comments and probably a few other random things that mostly have to do with my life as a buyer, shop owner, my buying trips, shopping, shoppers, fashion, and designers especially in the accessory market.

Please feel free to ask any questions and share your own thoughts.

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