Pastels before spring?  Of course!

If you have been out shopping or have flipped through any number of fashion catalogues or magazines over the last couple of weeks, you’ve probably noticed the explosion of these sweet soft hues! Pastel colors are light and feminine, and even though it’s technically still winter, there are ways to start incorporating them into your wardrobe now.

Ease into the transition between winter and spring by simply combining the seasons. Wear pieces that aren’t tied to any one season—like boots; a great boot in a neutral brown can be worn with pants, skirts or dresses and goes a long way toward bridging the gap between the seasons. It also works as a great neutral to pair with a pastel pop of color. Speaking of color, how about pairing lighter pastel hues under your chunky winter sweaters and blazers?

For those whose idea of wearing color consists of red lipstick with an all-black outfit, this season’s ice cream colors may feel a tad bit odd. So the question is: Exactly how do we wear pastels without looking like a “mother of the bride” or your child’s My Little Pony toy?

If you want to follow this sugarcoated trend and look effortlessly chic while still being comfortable, follow this rule: Mix pastel colors with neutrals or darks to break up an outfit and create an effect.  When pastels are paired with shades of camel, stone, white, navy and grey, they no longer risk looking childish or super feminine and instead create a look that’s  ultra-sophisticated.

Accessories are always a great way to try out new trends without spending a fortune on constantly updating your wardrobe.  With Miche’s spring collection you can add that pop of color by adding a fun handbag to your neutral outfit or you can tone down a pastel ensemble with a great neutral bag.  Whichever way you decide to embrace this trend, there is a handbag for you that will pull it all together!

Adding pastel accents now will help perk up your winter wardrobe and get you excited about the season to come!

Love,

Janine and Anjali are not the only Shells in our January lineup that have a story behind the name. Martha, Eliana, and Mekenna were also inspired by your stories.

I received an email from Founding Leader Martha Walton saying she has “lived in the 20^th and 21^st centuries with a 19^th century name,” and could we “please give some style, class, and popularity to a Martha?” I could not resist! This email made me grin from ear to ear and from there I set out to name a Shell that I felt would encompass all the style and class that all the Marthas out there deserve!

Eliana is named after someone who is probably one of our youngest Miche ambassadors.  Ashley Bostick describes her 3-year-old daughter as a “Mini Miche Addict who has sold purses to women in grocery stores when she shows them what her ‘pretty purse can do!’” With that, how could we not honor Eliana with a Shell that shares her name?

Although the spelling is different, our sweet lavender Petite Shell, Mekenna, was named after Diana Forbes’ granddaughter. Here is what Diana wrote in to us: “I would like to submit my granddaughter’s name—Makenna. She is my very first grandchild and the light of my life. I would suggest a design with a bow, which to me suggests fun, flirty, and ultimately GIRLY! Spring should be all about little girls, sunshine and bows!”  We couldn’t agree more!

If you have story and a name for a Shell that you would like to submit, please email us at design@miche.com.

Love,

It’s that time of year again, when New Year’s resolutions are high in everyone’s minds.  Here at Miche we would like to put a twist on the “traditional” tried and true resolutions and give them a little fashion kick!

Here is a look at some great New Year’s “fashion” resolutions that will make sticking to your New Year’s goals something to look forward to!

1. Beating the bulge is on the top of nearly everyone’s list every year; with your Miche Bag, losing a few pounds is a cinch! This year make it a goal to carry a little less in your bag—we can all afford to drop a few pounds and what better way to do that then to clean out your handbag?
2. Continuing with the beat the bulge theme, fitness is always up there on the list—usually right under losing some weight. Can’t lose weight without sweating a little. So if dropping a few pounds from your bag isn’t an option for you, go ahead and keep the weight in there. How about turning that Miche Bag into a free weight and doing some arm presses?
3. How about getting organized? I am sure that one is on many of your lists—I know it’s on mine. Miche offers some great products that will make it easier than ever to get this resolution off to a great start. If your closet is out of control, consider using a Miche Closet Organizer—it will not only help keep all your Miche Shells protected, but will also add much-needed space to your closet! If the inside of your bag looks anything like mine, then a Purse Organizer will help you keep your life on the go a little less stressful—no need to cause grey hairs by rummaging through your bag to find your favorite lip gloss!
4. If your goal this year is to enjoy life and spend more time with family and friends, then why not enjoy a fun “girls’ night out” by hosting a fashion-themed Miche Party! Hosting a Miche Party is great way to get all your friends together and play a little dress up! And of course, it will spread your of love of Miche too; after all, when you’ve got something great—isn’t it nice to share?
5. Try something new this year and add more color to your wardrobe—Miche’s spring collection has you covered! From beautiful pinks to aqua blues and all that is still coming your way for the season, there is no excuse NOT to add color to your life in 2012!
6. Lastly, take a few extra minutes every day to look your best.  This could be anything from putting on mascara or smacking on some high-shine lip gloss, to making sure your handbag complements your outfit! With Miche there are no excuses not to change the look of your bag to go with each and every day’s outfit. Taking the few seconds it takes to swap out your Shell can jump-start your outfit by giving you a well thought-out and put-together look that will leave everyone wondering, “How did she do it?”

Love,

Back in July I held a conference call for all of our Founding Leaders and Representatives and invited them to email us their Shell name suggestions—but there was a catch! They needed to also tell us WHY they wanted a particular name. We were overwhelmed with all the wonderful stories that came in and we named many of our spring Shells after these submissions.

One submission came from Melissa Weaver, a Founding Leader from upstate New York.  Here is what she wrote:

My name suggestions: Janine and Anjali.

Here is my reason why…

“In October 2009 Janine found out her 2-year-old daughter Anjali had neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer.  After a seven-month battle Anjali ‘earned her Angel wings’, as Janine words it.

I only knew Janine from growing up in the same town, but I followed her heart-wrenching journey through her blog. That blog and the way Janine expressed herself touched me in more ways that I can even tell you.  I also learned that Anjali loved everything pink, and Janine always signed her messages ‘Big Love’.  So when the Silver/Pink Hope Bag came out, I felt compelled to give one to Janine.  With the pink “big love” right in the center I felt it was made for her.

I have bumped into Janine since then and she always has her Hope Bag with her.  I’ve also run into her family members who always tell me how much she loves her bag.  I know it would mean so much to Janine to have an Anjali/Janine set in honor of a mom and daughter who taught me more about life in 7 months than I had learned in my entire 34 years up to that point.

I know Janine and Anjali will capture your heart the same way they’ve captured mine.”

Since the launch of these two beautiful Shells, we have learned that Janine herself has also been diagnosed with cancer.  We wish her the best in the fight she has ahead her and we know she will come out swinging.

Note from Janine after the release of the Shells:

“Thank you so much Miche for naming two beautiful handbags after my daughter and me. You have really captured Anjali’s spirit in her lovely handbag! She would have been proud to have such a handbag on her arm. I was touched beyond words when I saw them. Mine is beautiful as well. Every time I look at them, my heart swells with love and emotion. I am so grateful for you, Miche. I will bring my handbag with me as I go forward in the fight against my own cancer and in the fight I [continue to wage] against pediatric cancer. Big love, always!”

If you have story and a name for a Shell that you would like to submit, please email us at design@michebag.com.

Love,

Say hello to January—this is your sneak preview to our 2012 spring collection!

Although we have yet to ring in the New Year and most of us are still trying to recover from the endless amounts of gingerbread and eggnog we enjoyed over the Christmas weekend, spring has come to Miche!

In the world of fashion winter is out and spring is in! So shake off the winter blues with the bright colors of spring—it’s never too soon to enjoy a fresh youthful taste of color! With our spring collection we invite you to freshen up your wardrobe with these sweet, flirty, and romantic tones.

From the runways of New York to those in Milan the looks for spring exploded with the soft hues of pastels and elegant lines.  At Miche we feel accessories in general, and that perfect handbag in particular, are great ways to embrace this trend of beautiful pastel colors without going over the top. Pair colors with shades of white, cream, khaki, and even navy! Or go bolder and use these bright colors to enjoy the still very popular color-blocking trend!

Our January releases bring you the soft romantic hues of pinks and lavender and the cool oasis of blues and chartreuse that scream fresh, bright and serene. They are a hint of what’s to come as the world awakens during the next few months.  Spring should inspire bubbling laughter, optimism and delight.  It’s the perfect time to break away from the darker tones of fall and winter and add a splash of fresh color to your wardrobe! Our spring season is all about flirting with color, so go out there and get your flirt on!

Love,

It’s that wonderful time of year when we get to break out of our normal everyday dressing habits and get to play a little dress-up—at endless streams of cocktail parties, neighborhood gatherings, festive dinners and more.

The season’s social demands come on top of being loaded with shopping bags and drowning in gift lists, so the added dilemma of what to wear can be a tad bit overwhelming. But instead of stressing over what to wear, look at it as an opportunity to invest in yourself by picking out the perfect holiday pieces just for you! After all, it’s the most wonderful time of the year—shouldn’t your look follow suit?

For this festive but busy time I have put together a few easy-to-remember tips that are guaranteed to help you set your holiday style for every occasion this season!

1. Make an entrance. Be bold. Be Glam. Sparkle! Whether it’s a fabulous New Year’s Eve celebration or festive work party, this is the time to bring out the sequins!

2. Put on your dancing shoes. With all the celebrations taking place, there will definitely be dancing! Or at the very least—lots of standing. Your shoes should stand out yet still be comfortable. Try a pair of sparkly flats!

3. Add some icing. If there ever a time to overdo it on the jewels, now would be the time.  Layer on the sparkle! Wear brooches, cocktail rings, chandelier earrings and ornate necklaces.

4. Get the glow. If you haven’t noticed a theme yet—it’s “sparkle.”  The holiday season is all about that added bit of glamour in our hair, make-up, and all the way to our fingertips.  If going for a sequined embellished frock feels out of character for you, then try adding a sequined hair clip, a glittery manicure, or go for a dash of body shimmer!

5.  Take along the essentials. No look is complete without a fabulous handbag, and this season is all about metallic. Luckily, Miche has the perfect assortment for such a need—there is literally something for everyone!

Love,

With Christmas only a week away what better gift to give than a Miche bag? If you’re anything like me—a last-minute shopper—then look below for a great Miche Gift-Giving Guide that will help you find the perfect match for the handbag lover in your life—no matter what kind of personality she may have. There truly is something for everyone!

Love,

‘Tis the season for parties! With the holidays in full swing there are all kinds of parties to choose from— Christmas parties, ugly sweater parties, white elephant gift parties, New Year’s parties and, of course, Miche Parties!  With all that partying going on, we thought we would put a contest out there on Facebook encouraging everyone to share your best Miche Party ideas!

You submitted your ideas for seven fun categories—recipes, themes, decorations, games, invitations, networking, and “other.” So without further ado, here are the winners:

Katie Hodges won for her great ideas on how to decorate for a Miche Party! No matter what time of year she has an idea for you!

“During Christmas try placing tissue paper in the bags and use gift boxes as a display. Glitter snowflakes and twinkle lights around your display table also add a lot to a Holiday-themed display.  In the spring, using a purse to display a beautiful flower arrangement adds a fun touch! For fall—if you can find Thanksgiving items, use little pilgrims and ‘Be thankful for Miche Bags’ or ‘Fall in love with Miche’ signs. You can also have a ‘safari’ theme to promote the animal print bags and there is also the ever-popular ‘pink’ party. Use pink ribbons to promote breast cancer awareness in the month of October.”

Pam West won in the games category for her exciting Miche relay races!

“This fall I came up with the idea to have a Miche Bag relay at my Parties. The ladies take turns removing and putting Shells on a Base Bag. The fastest time someone has received so far has been just over 10 seconds. The fastest time wins a prize! The relays are great for raising the excitement and making the Party even more enjoyable for everyone.”

Bobbi Sagan won for her beautiful handmade invitations.

“My invitations are handmade and are folded up like a Classic Shell when they are received. When you unfold one, there is string taped to the ends of the invitation to make it look like the purse when you open it.  The envelope is clear; when I write ‘Miche’ on the bottom corner it looks exactly like the Miche Classic Shell!”

Alyssa Pratt won for taking her networking skills one step further!

“My customer didn’t want to do just a traditional catalog party because she wanted her guests to be able to see how the Miche Bags work. So the night of her Party she put out her laptop and I got on mine and we actually did the Party through our webcams using Skype. I demonstrated how Miche Bags work and did my presentation just as if I were there in person. I answered questions and stayed on till the end of the Party. So this really can work even if you can’t be there! My customer’s guests said that it helped seeing Miche in action and having me there to answer questions. It was really fun! I will definitely do this again if the chance arises!”

Leslie Benson won in the recipe category for her delicious and creative Miche Cakes!

“Miche Cakes!  Instead of making cupcakes, make purse cakes!  This is actually pretty easy.  What you need is a cupcake pan (with rectangular shapes) and rectangle papers.  Once baked, decorate the cupcakes with various frostings and add designs to them, either to make them look like Miche Bags or to make your own designs.  Or—once baked—you could also have a Purse-Making Station at your Party!  Provide various frostings and toppings for your guests and have them make their own purse cakes—they can be entered into a contest and the winner might get some sort of prize for her hard work and creativity.”

Maryanne Klingenberg won for her Fashion Show-themed parties!

“For a FUN interactive theme, my Hostesses love the ‘What’s Your Purse-Onality?’ Fashion Show.  After showing everyone the bag concept, I let them know the Fashion Show features THEM!!  I give each of them 2 minutes to find a Shell to match their outfit, personality and/or occasion.  I also tell them there will be prize for the best-matched and the sassiest!  Once they’ve chosen their Shells, I show them a model stance and put on some music!  They come up one at a time, I ask them why they chose that Shell and I’ll give a fashion tip or say something about the Shell. As they go back to their seats, they have to remove the Shell and pass the Base Bag on to someone else.This gives everyone a chance to get their hands on the bags and see how quick and easy it is to change the Shell and look.  Whether they are shy or hamming it up, everyone has a GREAT time!”

Jennifer Dibble won in our bonus “Other” category for her great Hostess incentive idea!

“As a Miche Representative I think that a happy Hostess is a repeat Hostess. That’s why every 3 months I put all of my hostesses’ names in a hat and draw out one lucky winner. The Hostess that wins usually gets a Miche accessory. I try to do something different each time I do the drawing. My Hostesses love the idea of getting something else for free and it usually helps them make the decision to hold their Parties. They also are more likely to become repeat Hostesses because there is always something new and exciting that they could win!”
I also want to congratulate Carla Holladay and Mindy Lawson for participating in my conference call contest and winning for their themed party pictures!

Check our Facebook page often—there’s another great contest coming up soon. Thank you to everyone for all your support and keep having those Parties!

Love,

Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, every girl deserves one of these delectable new Shells under her tree this holiday season! December is fresh, bold and oh-so-chic!

When it’s cold outside and we are all bundled up in our winter coats, all people see is your handbag—so make a statement with it! A very classic—but often overlooked—combination is navy and black! It’s a great way to make a statement in a subtle way because this combination is surprisingly chic and sophisticated! Black and navy can each be quite bold on their own but when blended together they create a mystique that whispers “cool and collected!” When this trend is done right—the way we did it with Jean, Janelle, Joyanna and Janice—it can make you look effortlessly chic!

If subtlety is not your thing, then go bold and dramatic with any one of our new black and white Shells. You’ll make quite an impact with a black and white color scheme that’s sure to catch everyone’s eye this season! Houndstooth has quickly become this season’s biggest trend and these black and white checks are classy and chic with a touch of mystery. I don’t know about you, but I feel like Nancy Drew would definitely rock this trend! One of the best things about houndstooth is how adaptable it is—you can use it to create a very fashion-forward, runway-inspired look or wear it more traditionally; either way it will be a crowd-pleaser! I for one believe sporting houndstooth on a handbag is the best way to wear this trend! If overdone this print can be overpowering, but a houndstooth handbag adds just the right amount of tasteful drama to any look!

’Tis the season!

Love,

This time of year juggling the demands of our time among work, parties and shopping can be a challenge. Picking the perfect outfit for every occasion can be not only time consuming but stressful. Might I suggest that the trends that should be most in fashion this season are friends and family.

Best wishes to all of you,
Jennie, Corbin, Jayma and the Miche team.