All that's needed to quilt - thread, a thimble, a needle, and creativity!

After watching the Miche Bag “All About Unique Handbags,” I suddenly became inspired by Michelle Romero’s simplistic approach to fixing her purse. The entire line of Miche Bags were formed out of a basic idea that wasn’t fancy – it was Michelle, with a pair of scissors and glue, fixing her purse! She didn’t have fantastic sewing skills – all she had were some basic arts and crafts materials. This is so inspiring to me, because often I think I can’t do a lot of crafts I want to, because I don’t have “experience” with that craft. However, after watching Michelle’s video, I’ve become inspired to create, even though, I don’t have a lot of experience! My best friend is having a baby in February, and I’ve decided to sew her baby a quilt, even though I don’t own a sewing machine or know how to even really sew! Once I got over my initial insecurities about not having the “right” equipment to sew, I discovered that I LOVED sewing by hand, especially something for someone I loved. I’ve been so inspired by Michelle Romero’s straightforward, creative approach to fixing her purse. How have you been inspired by Michelle Romero’s creative idea? What projects have you started that you’ve never had the confidence to do before? I can’t wait to finish my quilt – it’s going to be perfect.

By Jennie

              Many women stick by the age-old rule of matching your shoes to your purse. But in the 21st Century, and with icons like Lady Gaga who wear whatever they want, is this really necessary anymore? Is this rule outdated? In so many ways it seems like matching your shoes to your purse is a timeless, classic way to pull together an outfit that’s both elegant and stunning (I always think of Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s). When my handbag and shoes match each other perfectly, it produces an electric effect, and I feel unconquerable. My favorite combination, so far, is matching my Oakley shell with a pair of gold-metallicly Mary Jane Steve Madden pumps. I’m so in love with this combination that sometimes I think I wear it too much!
               But on the other hand, I love being funky, especially when it comes to fashion. I love pairing my Hope Miche Bag with a pair of killer pink flats and skinny jeans. I think the contrast between white, black, and hot pink sends out a confident, womanly vibe. But when I’m feeling more low key, I like to pair my Lacy shell (one of my all-time favorites!) with a pair of baby pink, 1960’s slip-on flats with a bubbly skirt. There’s so much creative freedom in not matching your shoes to your purse; it’s like being an artist. Even though I’m not following the “classic” rule of matching, I feel like I’m still being unique and stylish. And let’s face it – there’s enough Miche shells to match just about any shoe!

SO here’s the question – are you Classic or Creative? What’s your favorite shoe/purse combination? I want to know!!!

LOVE, Jennie

Designer purses carry a lucrative and mysterious past. If you can imagine, purses were carried in the form of bags that attached to belts (the prehistoric fanny-pack) and were usually made of simple cloth with a single leather band. Far from beginning as a fashion statement, purses were initially used primarily for function, and not fashion, which is a horrific thought for the modern woman! Dating back to Egyptian hieroglyphics and biblical times (Judas Iscariot is one of the most notable apostles to have carried a purse), purses have been in a constant cycle of evolution and are currently viewed as one of the most important fashion staples. Bizarrely enough, the majority of purse-owners were men – not women! Whether it’s a mini clutch that can’t hold a pair of eyebrow tweezers, or a giant hobo bag that you can fit your entire life into, designer purses have become the epicenter of modern fashion and society.

1500’s – 1700’s: It wasn’t until the Renaissance that purses began to gain popularity as a fashion statement; however, in the 1500’s, it was considered a token of affection for a man to give his lover a bag. The richer the person, the more elaborate the bag, and as embroidery became more popular in the 1700’S, purse designs became a symbol of status and wealth. In France, designer purses had a solid, round bottom so that the purse could be positioned upright on the table. The game of chance was a popular game in many noble European circles. Players of this game kept their money, or chips, in game purses that were specially designed for this particular amusement.  To eliminate any discrepancy about who the chips belonged to, sometimes the underside was decorated with the family coat of arms.

1800’s:  In the 1800’s running commentaries appeared in magazines on handbag styles and the appropriateness of specific designer handbags for particular events (much in the way of how today a clutch is deemed appropriate for the Academy Awards, and a purse is considered suitable for everyday errands). Handbags were called “reticules” and it was during this time period that they truly became a fashion statement. Purses were still a far cry from their messenger-bag origins, yet they were still functional in that they carried items like fans, perfume, smelling-salts and makeup.

1900’s: . Art Deco patterns became trendy in the 1920s and ’30s, often appearing on bag clasps.  In the 1920’s and 1930’s designer handbags stopped matching clothing, and bag designers became heavily influenced and inspired by the art movements of the time. This international style included the use of bright colors, geometric forms, and the application of new resources such as chrome and aluminum. In the 1940’s resources such as wood and plastic were common among purse makers due to the lack of supplies. In the 1950’s intricate bags began to stock the shelves of stores once again as fashion made a comeback. Louis Vuitton’s empire continued to explode, and designers such as Chanel and Prada gained status as designer purse crafting gurus. In the United States, bags crafted with Perspex (a glass substitute with a space-age look), Plexiglas and  Lucite (a glass substitute) dominated the fashion scene in the 1950s. Initially the bags were very costly, but due to their popularity their prices lowered, and cheaper versions of lesser quality became available everywhere.  The bags were designed in boxy shapes, and were often transparent with bright colors.

21st Century: In the 21st Century, Miche Bag has created the first designer purse with interchangeable outside shells, thus allowing purse fanatics to quickly change their purse style without removing the entire contents of their bag. Say goodbye to a closet full of clunky purses and space-sucking bags, and hello to Miche! At last, a designer purse has been created that fuses 1000 years of historic style with the needs of a 21st century woman. The evolution of purses spans nearly a thousand years, and the newest evolution of purses begins with the Miche Bag.

 “It was amazing and we felt so welcomed by the whole group! They called in the beautiful weather and arrived sporting ‘Jen’ and ‘Jayma’ shells in honor of their guests,” said Jayma Woods after visiting with Miche reps in Akron Ohio.

Miche Bag CEO, Corbin Church traveled with the Miche team as they stopped by Akron, Richmond, Nashville, and several other cities, looking for someone who was sporting the ‘Corbin’ shell to no avail. He is hoping maybe someday Jenny Platt will actually design a ‘Corbin’ shell for him.

Then the group headed west. “We spent time in Portland Oregon for a great event.  We got to meet Marge from Brooklyn, that’s M-A-reg,” Said Jayma Woods. “We also had a great time in Spokane Washington and enjoyed the “candy buffet/bar” and our Mini togo Miche Bags!”

Keep your eye out for the Miche team in your hometown if you haven’t seen them already!!

JK Gregory

Miche Bag Public Relations

Miche Bag has found a way to give back, with the release of the new “Hope” shell. The proceeds from this shell will be donated to Huntsman Cancer Foundation to fund cancer research at Huntsman Cancer Institute. The shell comes in both classic size and big bag size, and was designed using quotes from real cancer survivors!

Miche Bag designer Jennie Platt felt that supporting cancer research was a perfect fit for the company because so many people associated with Miche Bag have shared personal battles with this terrible disease. 

“In helping put together this program I was introduced to many courageous and inspiring people who were willing to share their journey with cancer,” Platt says, “a battle filled with challenges but also hope, love and beauty.  The shell I created needed to resonate this same message.  In the end, their message became the design and ‘Hope’ became a shell.”

The Company has set a goal to donate $1 million before 2011! To be apart of this great cause please buy a Hope shell from your nearest sales representative, retail outlet, or checkout the new Hope shell right here on Michebag.com!

JK Gregory

Miche Bag Public Relations

KUTV2’s Cristina Flores takes an in depth look at how the Miche Bag sensation has lead the Miche team to sucess, even during a recession, on 2 News at 10PM!  KUTV chats with Miche Bag founder Michelle Romero and Miche Bag designer Jennie Platt.  Both Michelle and Jennie get a chance to explain what it took to make this dream a reality. To see the full sotry click on this link:

Miche Bag on KUTV2 @ 10 PM

Let us know what you think!

JK Gregory

Miche Bag Public Relations

Marianne McClary and the ladies of Good Day Sacramento had their own mini purse party when Miche Bag founder Michelle Romero stops by! Marianne turned out to be the perfect Miche model while she showed off a few of the fabulous Miche shells. Then Marianne and Michelle helped the rest of the ladies on set look fabulous by finding a shell to match each of their outfits! Michelle had a great time with Marianne and the crew of Sacramento’s CW 31 and hopes to come back and visit soon!! To see how the segment went check out this link and make sure to let us know which Miche shell is your favorite:

http://gooddaysacramento.com/?articleID=63201

JK Gregory

Miche Bag Public Relations

Miche Bag Founder Michelle Romero & FOX 2 Moring News Anchor “Q” Anqunette Jamison

Miche bag founder Michelle Romero had a blast showing news anchor “Q” Anqunette Jamison the Miche Bag for the first time on Detroit’s Fox 2 Morning News.  “Q” adored the bag and loved the concept. Michelle also had the chance to share more about how she came up with the revolutionary idea during a live segment on Wednesday October 28^th.  

Just one day earlier, Tuesday October 28^th Michelle was back in Denver at FOX 31 and CW 2 to introduce the Miche Bag to their morning shows.  Fox 31’s Peggy Bunker and CW 2’s Melissa Mollet fell in love with the bag and are now both Miche Bag owners!

Michelle says she loves the chance to show off the Miche Bag wherever she can and is excited to find out where she is going next!

If you want to see how the Miche Bag segment went with “Q” Jamison on Fox 2 in Detroit check out this link:

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/mornings/miche_bag

If you would like to see more from behind the scenes with the Miche Bag become a fan of “The Official Miche Bag” on Facebook!

JK Gregory

Miche Bag Public Relations

Miche Bag Goes to Denver!

The Miche Big Bag has made its Television debut!  The Miche Bag was a huge hit on Denver’s early evening show “Everyday with Libby and Natalie” on FOX’s KDVR.  Anchor Natalie Tysdal and Miche Bag founder Michelle Romero had a great time showing of the Miche Big Bag for the first time, as well as the rest of the fabulous Miche line. Michelle even got to close the show with Natalie and guest co-host Dave Fraser! The segment was such a success that FOX has invited Miche Bag back to appear on their morning show!  Check out this link to see the interview and let us know what you think!  Miche Bag on \”Everyday w/Libby & Natalie\”

 Thanks,

JK Gregory

Miche Bag Public Relations

Thanks again,

JK Gregory

Miche Bag Public Relations