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!

I'm Back... From a Blogging Hiatus!

It has been over a year-and-a-half since I've last posted here, on my blog.

Why, you might ask???

Well, for many reasons, but the biggest reason is simply because I've been busy, busy, busy!!!  Add to the equation all of the other social media outlets that have arrived on the scene, that I've been exploring!

Using other forms of social media has allowed me to discover what outlet works best-for-what! I've come to realize that the social media outlet that allows me to most effectively tell my stories, is through blogging. I love the idea of devoting this space to one subject-- handbags, and knowing that just about anyone who pays me a visit here, loves them as much as I do!

It's time to get back to blogging!

NEED SOME PURPLE PASSION?

Well, here it is! My latest cell phone purse styles are being featured in the Bags and Purses Showcase on Etsy today. Affordably priced, these purses make great holiday gifts-- what's better than giving a unique, handmade gift item to someone special in your life?

Stop on by my Etsy store...just click here... and thanks in advance for paying me a visit!

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!

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

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.

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!

NEW PURSE STYLES BY D2I

That would be my company of course, Designs To Infinity!

I just added some new evening bag styles on my website today, and I thought I'd provide a sneak preview on my blog. The bags are vintage-inspired, with an Asian flair. I love brocade and I also love vintage, so voila--here you have it, the two combined!

To see more of my new styles, click 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?

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!

A LOVELY SATURDAY IN L.A. AT SHAUN ROBINSON'S BOOK SIGNING PARTY

I had the opportunity to attend Shaun Robinson's (of Access Hollywood) book signing party promoting her new book, "Exactly As I Am" (I am pictured on the left, along with Deborah Langford on the right). It was a great event, with lots of beautiful people everywhere, of course!

Holly Robinson Peete and Sheila "E" looked fabulous!

Of course, I can't leave out my hunk-of-a-man husband (!) pictured with Shaun

The ladies were representing!

Other celebs in attendance, included Rolanda Watts (left) and Terri Vaughn (2nd from right)

I usually spend my time at these events zooming in on handbags, looking to see who I can give the "Cutest Handbag Award" to!

The award (not a real one!) went to the beautiful Paula Bond, who may not be a household name, but is known in the many facets of the entertainment and fashion industry of which she works in. She was holding a really cute little number that she bought "somewhere on Broadway in New York". I thought it was so lovely!

Paula, pictured with San Francisco Anchorman, Dave Clark

Overall, I had a great time at the event! Shaun, I wish you much success with your new book!

WANNA PIMP YOUR HANDBAG?

I'll tell you, there is nothing inconceivable anymore. Someone has decided to add a TV to a handbag-- one of the most hideous ideas that I have ever heard of!

"Bag TV" is what this latest innovation is called-- a handbag equipped with a 7" LCD screen and a DVD/MPEG player built in.

I just want to know who thought a person would need a TV on their purse?

To read more about this nonsense, click here.

WANT TO KNOW HOW TO SPOT A REAL HANDBAG FROM A FAKE?

One Word For This Chanel Mobile Art Handbag Exhibit... WOW!!!

You have to check out this amazing Chanel Mobile Art Exhibit, which opened today in New York's Central Park!

The 2,300-square-foot structure — the Greatest Handbag Pavilion Known to Man — designed by Zaha Hadid, houses art inspired by Chanel's iconic 2.55 quilted handbag with the chain straps.

Also included is a pit inspired by the depths of a woman's handbag, an S&M-inspired room, a giant handbag, and more.

I wish I could personally visit this exhibit-- If you're already in New York, you don't want to miss this one!

(Source: NY Magazine)

"Handbag Designer 101's" Featured Designer of The Day is...Yours Truly!

Today I was pleasantly surprised to open an e-mail from a top handbag site, Handbagdesigner101, informing me that I had been chosen to be their "handbag designer of the day"!

What an honor! Many extremely talented handbag designers have been featured on this site in the past, so I feel privileged to be part of their esteemed list!

To the folks over at Handbagdesigner101.com, thanks for giving me some love!!!

You can check out my feature story by clicking on the link below.

The Infinity Collection on Handbag Designer 101

LOOKING FOR A CUTE CELL PHONE PURSE? WELL, I'VE GOT ONE FOR YOU!

Thought I'd share my latest creations with you-- cell phone purses!

These purses are all handmade, and totally functional! In addition to keeping your cell phone securely in tow, these purses have a small pocket in front where you can put some cash or a credit card inside. The front flap has a magnetic snap that holds everything together! The handle even has a detachable swivel hook with a key ring that can be re-attached to your purse or a belt loop or buckle on your clothing. Easy access to your phone is important!

Ladies, I had you all in mind when I chose the prints for these adorable little creations, if I should say so myself! Who wants to display a boring purse with no pizazz?

The purses come in many styles and colors, and yes, more colors and styles are on the way! Some of the styles are adorned with crystals-- nothing like a little bit of *bling*! There is also a contrasting print on the inside-- I thought I'd might as well allow the inside to look as good as the outside!






These purses made their debut at the Pasadena Bead and Design Show in Pasadena, CA earlier this month, where I exhibited my handbag collection.


They were a hit-- and not just with women. The young girls who accompanied their moms to the show were purchasing them as well!

You can check out my collection of cell phone purses by visiting my online boutique, Designs To Infinity.