Happy 2010!!

Happy New Year to all LaurAnn customers, retailers, suppliers, supporters, on-lookers, passers-by, and everyone else who made our 2009 so successful.

May 2010 see all our wildest dreams realized and our most difficult resolutions achieved.

The Best Christmas Gift Ever!!

Christmas came early to LaurAnn this year. December 18th and December 19th at the Birmingham Galleria, we celebrated our 1st anniversary with our first ever mall event.

Andria poses next to her creations.

Customers shop and try on bags for size.

Roll Tide!!!!

A loyal customer carrying her LaurAnn zebra-print tote.

Laura and Andria in front of the beautiful Wynfrey Hotel Christmas tree.

Special thanks to all Wynfrey Hotel management and staff who helped our event run without a hitch.

LaurAnn After Christmas Sale

The entire LaurAnn online store is 20% off!! A flat $5.00 shipping fee will get your bag in your hands anywhere in the United States.

Did Santa bring you a banging new laptop? Hook yourself up with an Electra, the fully-padded and super chic way to protect your new hardware.

Planning to do some jet setting in 2010? The Rendezvous will help you make a clean getaway while being both beautiful and discreet.

Need something fun and funky to pull yourself out of the post-holidays doldrums? Check out the Vega, a hobo with personality to spare.

Click here to let the shopping begin.

Happy 1st Anniversary LaurAnn!!

Join Andria and Laura at the Birmingham Galleria for a two-day celebration of LaurAnn's first birthday. Starting at 10:00 am on both Friday, December 18th and Saturday, December 19th, you will find us at the second floor mall entrance to the Winfrey Hotel.

It was one year ago, December 13th, that we presented our first LaurAnn Handbag show. We held our breath as we checked our eVite account every 15 minutes, hoping some interested souls would agree to come look at the bags we'd made. We displayed the bags on the backs of chairs, the entertainment center and on the dining room table. Our first "catalog" contained 14 items.

We've come a long way, baby! Over the past year, we have:

- designed and created bags for Queen Latifah.

- featured our bags at the Art of Passion benefiting the Alabama YWCA.

- created a web site and an online store.

- had trunk shows at UAB Medical West and University of West Alabama.

- designed and created bags for Maya Angelou.

- partied at Shecky's Girls Night Out.

- hobnobbed with the National Coalition of Black Women at their "Our Favorite Things" Holiday Gala.

Special thanks to our suppliers who always know what we need, even when we do not. Your helpful information and quick on-the-spot tutorials have helped us take our construction methods to a higher level of professionalism.

Special thanks to all the people who invited us to show at their events and establishments. Your faith in our products and our ability to interact with your clients is what continues to propel our momentum forward.

And an extra special thanks to all the people we have met along the way that made our first year so incredible. We can't wait to see what year two has to offer!

Thank you,
Andria and Laura

Happy Thanksgiving!!

There are so many reasons to give thanks and praise;
For LaurAnn, here are just a few of the ways.

For hobos, clutches, wristlets and totes;
All for carrying the things that keep us afloat.

For hooks and buckles and studs and rings;
All the shiny bits that make our hearts sing.

For leather and tapestry and silk and suede;
All classic fabrics whose luster never fades.

For scissors, sewing machines and pins that prick too;
These are the things that allow us to do what we do.

We are thankful for fabulous friends, festive food and more;
But especially for our wonderful customers, who have style galore.

Thank you to all of our customers, supporters and friends from Andria and Laura.
Enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!!

LaurAnn Shakes Down Shecky's Girls Night Out

Andria and Laura helped Shecky's Girls Night Out tear the roof off the Biltmore Ballrooms in Atlanta. The free liquor flowed under the hypnotic throb of pulsating music while we all committed reckless SUI (shopping under the influence).

See the fun for yourself.....

Shecky's Sneak Peak

What do you offer the woman who has it all? Something to put it all in!!

Shecky's Girls Night Out is only a few days away, and LaurAnn has been hard at work in preparation for two nights of fun with Atlanta's fabulous fashionistas and couture connoiseurs. We have new bags we created with the Shecky's socialista in mind, and we have invested some quality time reinventing some of our most popular designs.


Here are a few of our favorites so far:

The Phenom

This is the ultimate tote for every phenomenal woman out there. It can carry the weight of the world while remaining gracefully composed.

• Phenom in aubergine ultrasuede with grey satin lining
• 1 interior zippered pocket
• Dimensions: 16.5 in. width x 16.0" in. height x 5.5 in. depth. 12.0 in. shoulder strap drop
• Also available in black ultrasuede, silver leather and black and white leopard print.
• Price: Special Shecky's Pricing

The Maya

We designed this bag for the legendary Maya Angelou. It is worldly glamorous but also down-to-earth like its namesake.

• Maya in pale olive green ultrasuede with genuine leather croc-embossed trim
• Antique brass chain strap
• Dimensions: 11.0 in. width x 9.0 in. height; 14.5 in shoulder strap drop
• Price: Special Shecky's Pricing
  

The Andria

This is the bag that started it all. With its inventive lace-up detail and bead trim, this elegantly floppy bag takes hobo to a whole new level.

• Andria in black and white python print with red sateen lining
• Silver square ring hardware
• 2 interior zippered pockets
• 2 magnetic snap closures
• Dimensions: 18 in. height x 26 in. width; 14 in shoulder strap drop.
• Also available in metallic copper, brown python print, black, and khaki.
• Price: Special Shecky's Pricing.

The Vega

Don't be fooled by the size of this small hobo. It has hidden powers that can magically take you anywhere from the cosmetics aisle of the neighborhood WalMart to dinner at the Lobby at Twelve on Peachtree.

• Vega in taupe ultrasuede with alligator-embossed leather trim with gold paisley stripe lining
• Magnetic snap closure
• Interior zippered pocket
• 2 patch pockets
• Dimensions: 15.0 in. width x 12.0 in. height x 4.5 in. depth; 17.0 in. shoulder strap drop
• Also available in black with silver studs, brown with croc-embossed leather
• Price: Special Shecky's Pricing
  

The Electra

This padded laptop sleeve is designed for the techie who refuses to sacrifice personal style. After all, there is no reason that we can't be both smart and beautiful. The Electra comes in two sizes: the large fits most laptops measuring 12" x 18"; the small fits most laptops measuring 10" x 14".

• The large Electra in red and orange leopard print chenille upholstery fabric with golden red dupioni silk lining.
• Gold hook and d-ring closure
• Red lizard-embossed leather trim
• Dimensions: 17.0 in. width x 13.0 in. height.
• Also available in navy pinstripe and teal lizard
• Price: Special Shecky's Pricing

*Laptop computer not included.


The Isla


This neat hobo has been a popular staple in the LaurAnn portfolio.

• Isla in pearlized gold genuine leather with leather tassle trim and beige and gold floral lining.
• Metallic snap closure
• Interior zippered pocket
• Patch pocket
• Dimensions: 17.5 in. height x 16.5 in. width; 13.5 in. shoulder strap drop.
• Also available in black and white leaf print and cobalt blue genuine suede.
• Price: Special Shecky's Pricing

Shecky's special pricing is only available at the November 12th and November 13th Atlanta event. While you can buy a bag off the rack and skip into the night with it on your arm, we will also be accepting orders for customized bags. For more information regarding our custom order policies, review our FAQs here.


Visit http://www.sheckys.com/ for more information about this event. Now if I could just figure out what to wear...

LaurAnn Handbags Goes Global With Online Store

We are excited to announce the opening of our online store at http://www.laurannhandbags.etsy.com/.

If you haven’t been able to make it to a LaurAnn show or our show dates haven’t meshed with your pay schedule, you can now shop LaurAnn handbags online whenever and wherever the spirit moves you. No matter where in the world you are, LaurAnn is just a click of a mouse away.

Our online store is hosted by Etsy.com, a community of artisans and retailers specializing in handmade goods. Through Etsy, we are now able to accept credit and debit card payments in a secure environment.

We are always adding new bags to the store. Make http://www.laurannhandbags.etsy.com/ one of your Internet favorites so you can visit frequently.

Don’t just sit there! Grab some coffee or a cocktail and let the shopping begin!!

Fresh and Fabulous Fall 2009

For Fall, LaurAnn created some new shapes and breathed new life into some old favorites. While blacks and browns are solid standbys, bright colors are the big story for fall. In addition to our favorite ultrasuedes and upholstery fabrics, you will find buttery soft leathers and exquisite genuine suedes.

Shop LaurAnn at http://www.laurannhandbags.etsy.com/ today!

The Isla

This lightweight and roomy bag is back for fall. Even though its name is reminiscent of summer days past, it's still the perfect carryall for any season.

• Isla in genuine cerulean blue genuine suede
• Zipper patch pocket detail on front
• Silver stud detailing and silver hardware
• Metallic silver alligator print lining
• Interior zipper pocket and two patch pockets for personal electronics
• Magnetic snap closure
• Dimensions: 12 inch height x 16.5 inch width. 13.5 inch shoulder strap drop.
• Price: $150.00
  
  

The Geo

This geometrically shaped bag will carry you from office to evening. It is sure to bring you all manner of positive attention.

• Geo in light gray ostrich embossed vinyl
• Gray jacquard lining
• Silver hardware
• Interior zippered pocket with two patch pockets for personal electronics
• Magnetic snap closure
• Strap can be tucked into the bag to convert to a clutch.
• Dimensions: 12.5 inch width x 10 inch height. 15 inch shoulder strap drop.
• Price: $100.00
  
  

• Geo in buttery genuine brown leather
• Gray crackle print ultrasuede lining
• Interior zippered pocket and two patch pockets for personal electronics
• Magnetic snap closure
• Dimensions: 12.5 inch width x 10 inch height. 8 inch shoulder strap drop.
• Price: $130.00
  

The Eclipse

The contract peek-a-boo flap on this bag is the perfect pick-me-up for dreary autumn days.

• Eclipse in giraffe print upholstery fabric with aligator embossed genuine leather trim
• Cheery yellow ultrasuede lining
• Gold hardware
• Interior zippered pocket with two patch pockets for personal electronics
• Dimensions: 10 inch height x 15.5 inch width x .75 inch depth. 9 inch shoulder strap.
• Price: $90.00
  
  

• ROLL TIDE!!! Put your University of Alabama school spirit out for all to see!
• Eclipse in black and white houndstooth upholstery fabric and genuine leather strap
• Red dupioni silk lining
• Silver hardware with silver Big Al pendant on silver bead chain
• Interior zippered pocket with two patch pockets for personal electronics.
• Dimensions: 10 inch height x 12.5 inch width. 15 inch shoulder strap drop.
• Price: By special order only. Contact us at laurannhandbags@gmail.com to place your order.
  

The Rendezvous

This luxuriously cavernous bag will help you make a clean fall getaway. While it is large enough to hold the essentials for an overnight stay away from home, it is stylish enough to keep your business out of the street. The interior boasts a zippered pocket as well as two additional patch pockets for easy access to your cell phones, iPods and other small personal electronics.

• Rendezvous in brown and tan woven upholstery fabric with leaf motif
• Beige dupioni silk lining
• Interior zippered pocket with two patch pockets
• Dimensions: 14.25 inch height x 24.5 inch width x 6 inch depth. 15 inch shoulder strap drop.
• Price: $125.00

The Mini Rendezvous

A smaller but equally luxurious version of the Rendezvous, the Mini Rendezvous is the perfect size hobo for those of us who feel naked if we are not toting everything we need, including the proverbial kitchen sink. The interior boasts a zippered pocket as well as two additional patch pockets for easy access to your cell phones, iPods and other small personal electronics.

• Mini Rendezvous in black leathered ultrasuede fabric
• Iridescent orange dupioni silk lining
• Interior zippered pocket with two patch pockets for personal electronics
• Magnetic snap closure
• Dimensions: 14.25 inch height x 18 inch width x 6 inch depth. 15 inch shoulder strap drop.
• Price: $90.00
  

The Wesley

Named after the West Highland Terrier who is the official LaurAnn mascot, this cute bag is still a LaurAnn favorite. The roomy interior also has a zippered pocket, perfect for hiding little treats.

• Wesley in metallic copper satin polyurethane
• Gold stud trim on exterior pocket
• Gold chain shoulder strap
• Beige and rose floral silk lining
• Interior zippered pocket with two patch pockets for personal electronics
• Magnetic snap closure
• Dimensions: 14.5 inch height x 15.0 inch width. 17 inch shoulder strap drop.
• Price: $120.00

The Dana O

This bag is patterned after one of the bags we created for Queen Latifah. It's the perfect bag to carry when you want to feel like royalty.

• Dana O in yellow buttery soft genuine leather
• Yellow ultrasuede lining
• Two patch pockets for personal electronics
• Gold "Laugh" charm trim
• Gold chain shoulder strap
• Magnetic strap closure
• Dimensions: 10 inch width x 13 inch height. 17 inch shoulder strap drop
• Price: $80.00

LaurAnn Now Accepts PayPal

LaurAnn is pleased to announce that we now accept payments via PayPal. This easy-to-use service allows you to send us payments over a secure Web site with credit cards, debit cards or electronic checks.


To send us a payment, visit http://www.paypal.com/, click the Send button and enter LaurAnnHandbags@gmail.com in the To box.

Audience with the Queen

Caution: Gratuitous name dropping ahead.

"Hey, Queen Latifah is coming to the Viva Health Starlight Gala on April 4th. You want to go?" Andria asked.

"Queen Latifah? Hell yeah I want to go!" I exclaimed.

"You know, she should get a bag," Andria said.

"I think she should get two," I replied, "an evening bag and a day bag."

So on April 3rd, the day before the Starlight Gala, I sat on my living room floor, head bowed, setting quarter-inch gold studs all over the red ultrasuede body of what we now call "Queen's bag". It was tedious work, but I was running on coffee and images of paparazzi-snapped photos of Queen Latifah on her way to some Cover-Girl sponsored event with a LaurAnn bag on her shoulder appearing in the next issue of InStyle Magazine with the caption "This Season's 'It' Bag." In other words, I was crunk.

Laura's Bag for Queen Latifah

Detail on Laura's Bag for Queen Latifah

By the time I made it to Birmingham from Atlanta, I had racked up at least $150.00 in panic purchases across two different states, all punctuated with "Oh @#$%!! I ain't no hosiery/eyeliner/shoes/etc.!" I found Andria in her usual state of cool repose, fresh from the spa with a new mani/pedi. Any of you who have known Andria for even a few minutes know that while she is cool, she is far from low key. She was practically vibrating with excitement.

Andria's Bag for Queen

White silk lining of Andria's bag for Queen

The Alys Robinson Stephens Performing Arts Center on the campus of UAB was buzzing with black tie excitement. We enjoyed cocktails and bite-sized sandwiches while waiting to enter the concert hall, the whole time giggling and fretting over what to say to the Queen when we present her with her bags.

Queen Latifah's show was a fabulous testament to the wide range of her talents. She rushed the stage belting out "I'm Gonna Live Til I Die," and kept the crowd on its collective feet with an eclectic mix of jazz songs, blues riffs and show tunes from her albums The Dana Owens Album, Trav'lin Light and the movie Hairspray. I don't think Andria has stopped humming "Poetry Man" yet. She even gave us a encore with a rendition of "California Dreaming" that sent the entire concert hall up in song.

Andria, Queen Latifah, and Laura

The woman we met afterward was exactly the queen I knew she would be. We presented her with two LaurAnn bags and she accepted them graciously, joking about the $2 million dollar endorsement deal that we about to ink with her. If only. Make sure you keep your InStyle Magazine subscriptions current!

Andria, Queen Latifah, and Laura and two very lovely LaurAnn Handbags

LaurAnn Spring 2009 Catalog

Spring Has Sprung!

Lovely pink azaleas in Andria’s front yard

Can you believe that it’s time for April showers and May flowers already? Just a few short weeks ago, there was not a drop of milk or a crumb of bread to be found at the grocery store because of the winter storm that threatened to blanket the southeast with half an inch of snow. Now the trees are budding, flowers are blooming and our cars are sporting a happy dusting of pollen. LaurAnn has created new shapes in exciting colors sure to breathe new life into the most winter-weary soul. Whether it’s a bright pop of canary yellow or a modern shade of neutral, our bags are the perfect accessory for all spring flowers.

The bags featured below are available for immediate purchase. However, if you fall in love with a particular style, but find yourself less enamored of the color, you can always place a custom-to-carry order. For more information on ordering you bag, see our FAQs by clicking the Frequently Asked Questions link at the right.

Baby Riu

Great things can be stored in small packages. The Baby Riu can be the perfect bag for evening when you want to carry more than a single credit card and a tube of lipstick. It also makes the perfect daytime companion when you don’t feel like hauling around the kitchen sink.

· Baby Riu in white satin with black lace overlay
· Black satin trim
· Black dupioni silk lining
· Silver hardware
· Magnetic snap closure
· Interior zippered pocket
· Dimensions: 10.5 in height x 13.5 in width. 10.25 in shoulder strap drop.
· Price: $85.00

Glamazon

Every woman needs that perfect little case for all her accoutrements. The Glamazon is the perfect shape and size to accommodate cosmetic pencils, makeup brushes and compacts.

· Glamazon in Zebra Print
· “Be True To Yourself” charm zipper pull
· Fuchsia dupioni silk lining
· Dimensions: 4.5 inch height x 8.5 inch width x 3.0 inch depth.
· Price: $15.00

· Glamazon in Metallic Croc Print
· “Be True To Yourself” charm zipper pull
· Zebra print satin lining
· Dimensions: 4.5 inch height x 8.5 inch width x 3.0 inch depth.
· Price: $15.00

Giant Riu

More of a good thing is always better. If you love the Baby Riu, you are bound to love its larger companion. This bag is perfect for hauling around the kitchen sink while still cutting an elegant silhouette.

· Giant Riu in Zebra Print
· Silver hardware
· Interior zippered pocket
· Fuchsia satin lining
· Dimensions: 11.5 inch height x 17 inch width. 14.0 shoulder strap drop
· Price: $100.00

Greenie

Being green just got easier with this clever tote. When it’s not full of groceries and goodies, it folds into a wallet-sized envelope that will make it almost impossible to leave at home. The roomy front storage pocket is the perfect place for recipes, shopping lists and coupons.

· Greenie in maroon print cotton twill tote
· Denim canvas envelope trimmed with yellow
· Gold snap closure
· Full tote dimensions: 18.25 in. height x 16.25 in. width.
· Folded dimensions: 4.5 in. height x 9 in. width.
· Price: $30.00
· SOLD!! Contact us at laurannhandbags@gmail.com to place a custom order.

· Greenie in orange, yellow and blue print cotton twill tote
· Denim canvas envelope trimmed with red
· Gold snap closure
· Full tote dimensions: 18.25 in. height x 16.25 in. width.
· Folded dimensions: 4.5 in. height x 9 in. width.
· Price: $30.00
· SOLD!! Contact us at laurannhandbags@gmail.com to place a custom order.

Isla

This lightweight and roomy bag is the ideal travel buddy. Use it to carry island souvenirs as you do your vacation shopping. It can also be carried to the workplace whenever you need a reminder of your fun times in the sun.

· Isla in red, orange and yellow swirl print
· Orange ultrasuede lining
· Interior zippered pocket
· Large interior patch pocket
· Chinese metal bead trim
· Gold hardware
· Brown leather shoulder strap
· Dimensions: 12.0 inch height x 16.5 inch width. 13.5 inch shoulder strap drop.
· Price: $100.00
· SOLD!! Contact us at laurannhandbags@gmail.com to place a custom order.

Rendezvous

This luxuriously cavernous bag will help you make a clean getaway. While it is large enough to hold the essentials for an overnight stay away from home, it is stylish enough to keep your business out of the street. The interior boasts a zippered pocket as well as two additional patch pockets for easy access to your cell phones, iPods and other small personal electronics.

· Chocolate brown ultrasuede
· Beige oriental floral brocade satin and beige dupioni silk lining.
· Magnetic snap closure
· 1 interior zippered pocket lined with beige dupioni silk and 2 packet pockets
· Tri-color gold leaf chain trim
· Dimensions: 14.25 in. height x 24.5 in width x 6 in. depth. 15 in shoulder strap drop
· Price: $90.00
· SOLD!! Contact us at laurannhandbags@gmail.com to place a custom order.

QueTee

This charming wristlet is too cute to be confined to the dark depths of a larger handbag. It’s the perfect little piece for toting the vital essentials.

· QueTee in pink, orange and pale yellow print
· White faux leather trim
· Fuchsia satin lining
· Interior zippered pocket lining
· Detachable gold chain strap
· Dimensions: 6.5 inch height x 10.5 inch width. 8.5 inch strap drop.
· Price: $40.00

· QueTee in Zebra Print
· Black faux leather trim
· Fuchsia dupioni silk lining
· Interior zippered pocket lining
· Silver “Hope” charm
· Detachable silver chain strap
· Dimensions: 6.5 inch height x 10.5 inch width. 8.5 inch strap drop.
· Price: $40.00

Tiffany

This unusual, funky, fashion-forward bag is guaranteed to earn you plenty of covetous stares. The interior boasts a zippered pocket as well as a divided patch pocket for easy access to your cell phones, iPods and other small personal electronics.

· Heavy-weight twill African mudcloth print embellished with cowrie shells and gold studs
· Burgundy satin lining
· 1 interior zippered pocket and 1 large interior patch pocket
· Magnetic snap closure
· Wood ring and tassel trim
· Dimensions: 23 in. height x 17.5 in width. Shoulder cut out measures 10 in. in height
· Price: $80.00

Wesley

Named after the West Highland Terrier who is the official LaurAnn mascot, this cute bag will make you smile every time you look at it. The roomy interior also has a zippered pocket, perfect for hiding little treats.

· Wesley in Chocolate Ultrasuede
· Beige paisley print jacquard lining
· Gold chain and ring hardware
· Gold bead trim
· Exterior patch pocket
· Interior zippered pocket
· Dimensions: 14.5 inch height x 15.0 inch width. 10.5 inch shoulder strap drop
· Price: $120.00

· Wesley in Celery Green Ultrasuede
· Royal blue satin lining
· Silver ring hardware
· Exterior patch pocket
· Interior zippered pocket
· Dimensions: 14.5 inch height x 15.0 inch width. 10.5 inch shoulder strap drop
· Price: $120.00
· SOLD!! Contact us at laurannhandbags@gmail.com to place a custom order.

You Turn

This unique purse is sure to make some do a double take. Use the exterior pocket to keep your keys and mad money within easy reach. Drop the shoulder strap in the bag to convert it to a terrific clutch.

· You Turn in Seafoam Print with Pale Green U-shaped pocket
· Champagne dupioni silk lining
· Interior zippered pocket
· Two interior patch pockets
· Chain strap
· Dimensions: 8.0 inch height x 12.5 inch width. 17.5 in shoulder strap drop.
· Price: $95.00
· SOLD!! Contact us at laurannhandbags@gmail.com to place a custom order.

Missy

This fun, funky and fabulous bag makes the perfect companion for the boardroom or happy hour.

· Missy in Zebra Print with Black Leathered Suede Trim
· Peacock blue satin lining
· Interior zippered pocket
· Two interior patch pockets
· Silver hardware
· Dimensions: 11.5 inch height x 12.0 inch width. 13.75 inch shoulder strap drop
· Price: $115.00

· Missy in Black and White Diamond Print with Black Leathered Suede Trim
· Peacock blue satin lining
· Interior zippered pocket
· Two interior patch pockets
· Silver hardware
· Dimensions: 11.5 inch height x 12.0 inch width. 13.75 inch shoulder strap drop
· Price: $115.00

Wilda

This classic envelope style clutch is as classic as its namesake. It is perfect whether you are dressed to the nines or just making a quick run to the grocery store.

· Wilda in Sky Blue Ultrasuede
· Chocolate Paisley brocade lining
· Chain strap
· LaurAnn L and A rhinestone charms
· Stone medallion detail
· Interior patch pockets
· Dimensions: 5.5 inch height x 10.5 inch width. 17.0 inch shoulder strap drop.
· Price: $65.00
· SOLD!! Contact us at laurannhandbags@gmail.com to place a custom order.