The Collection

This photo just shows a small sampling of what I have in store for the spring. I am really into travel bags right now. I think all of the snow is making me want to jet set off to a tropical paradise. I have been playing with different designs and have settled on a couple that I think are super functional and really cute.

Last Night

I thought I heard her last night.... Maybe it was just a sound on the wind.....

Gypsy Girl

You know you are a little bit curious. Who is she? Where did she come from? Where is she going? She is adventurous, beautiful, intriguing. She wanders from place to place taking the best from life. Find your inner gypsy girl. Grab your bags and see where she takes you. Carissa Black, Spring/Summer 2011.

Winterfair 2010

Just did my first show. All in all pretty good. I found it to be a great learning experience.

Shop Spotlight #2 Brazen Betties

"Be fearless without being foolish." That is the idea behind Brazen Betties, a fabulous boutique located in Torrington, CT. The owner, Julia Sloan, has such an eye for fashion. Her shop features clothing, accessories, home accents, and artwork created by connecticut designers and artists only. It will serve as one of the only outlets in Connecticut that fashion designers have for exposure and exhibition in the state. Some of the artists you can find there include Daniela Vlad Sudios, Past Forward, Rebecca Reinbold Couture, and you can also find my bags.

If you find yourself in the area, you have to stop in. You can also visit Brazen Betties on the web at
http://www.brazenbetties.com/home.php

Shop Spotlight #1 Indigo Lily

So I decided it would be nice to start spotlighting some of the wonderful shops that carry my bags. I am always talking them up to everyone and don't know why I didn't think to do this sooner.

This week the focus is on Indigo Lily. I love this shop. It is located in Colchester, CT and is awesome. The proprietor is Carissa Pizzi. Ok, this is funny, her maiden name is Carissa Brown and I am Carissa Black, get it? Anyway, she really has an eye for bringing in fabulous Connecticut artists.

Her shop has a mini anthropology type vibe going on. You can find beautiful, unique jewelry, soaps, pottery, bags from yours truly, and just about anything else you might be looking for. It is a wonderful place to buy a gift for someone special or to just pick up a little something for yourself.

Here is the link to her shop's homepage
http://www.indigolilycompany.com/default.html

Ruffles, Ruffles, Everywhere!

Who doesn't love spring? The birds are singing, the thermometor is rising... and ruffles are everywhere. I love them and am so happy they are making such a strong fashion statement this spring. My favorite way to wear them is to pair them with something a little bit edgy. A bit of black leather combined with a sweet demur ruffle and I am in heaven!

I just listed some new items in my etsy shop www.gardencris27.etsy.com all with this great little bit of cuteness. More to come this week.