Bag It

APRIL 19, 2010

Bag It
A trio of bag-tastic sources for your Big Day

WRITTEN BY Melissa Bigner

As Carrie Bradshaw and the STC crew knows, a good handbag is the sugar-free icing on the cake of any smart ensemble. And if we’re talking wedding cake, whether you grab one for yourself or gift one to the gals in your bridal party, a sweet bag chics up everything from rehearsal wear to shower garb and can also finish the looks of both you and your ladies in waiting on your Big Day. Plus, if you crave something custom made but are minding your bottom line, a personalized bag is the way to go. So if you’re looking for that little something, check out the following fashionistas.

Loving on L_Design
About-town folks might recognize Lauren Sanchez from Blue Bicycle Books on King Street, the second-hand bookstore she and her husband, Jonathan, have run for the past few years. Pop in the shop and yes, you’ll find books (old and new), the resident cat, and likely their two-year-old daughter playing in the children’s section. But you’ll also spot Lauren’s sleek clutches, handbags, and wallets. The sewing side of Blue Bikes started seven years ago when Lauren noticed her then-architecture firm was cleaning house and trashing a trove of sample upholstery fabrics. The remnants were the perfect size for handbags, so she recycled them into classic, clean-lined carryalls. These days, she’s expanded her line, but is still known for formal silhouettes rendered in fabrics that sport bold colors, graphic patterns, and luxe textures. She crafts custom orders for wedding parties, and is forever innovating. To see a sample of her wares, visit beingsanchez.com, but know her online gallery showcases only a smattering of what she offers. Awesome

Add Libb Designs
At the 2010 Charleston Weddings Bridal Couture Show, event-goers raved over the Add Libb Designs boutique. Why? Perhaps it was because owner-designer Libby Ganong work was as couture as the gowns the runway models sported. There were clutches, handbags, envelopes, and more each with some sort of embellishment, be it an antique brooch or vintage whatnot. Libby’s fabric sample flip book was a dream, too, and boasted chenille, silk, velvet, tapestry, embroidery, jacquard, cotton, leather, and much, much more. Locally made of South Carolina-sourced materials, her bags bore a sophisticated, bespoke air that suit Lowcountry weddings just so. With palettes and patterns that span the seasons and styles from pop to princess, custom work doesn’t get more couture than this. Visit addlibbdesigns.com for more information.

It’s in the Bag: Center for Women Purse Auction
Head to the City Gallery at Waterfront Park this April 29th between 6-8:30 p.m. for the ninth annual Center for Women handbag auction and you can bid on bags embellished by Charleston celebs, among them, artists, businesswomen, and newsmakers. Wander the gallery and you’ll find everything from funky pun purses to high-end creations from local designers. Also on the auction block? Bags from Tory Burch, Prada, Burberry, Kotur, and others. Proceeds benefit the Center for Women, so when you gift these goodies to your ’maids, be sure to let them know the backstory. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. For more information and to buy tickets, visit c4women.org.