HITTIN’ REFRESH ON MY INBOX FOR A SHIPPING NOTICE HAD ME AS BUZZED AS A DOUBLE SHOT OF ESPRESSO.    

Pinnng!” After days of jumping with each ding of my phone, I almost didn’t want to check my email. Again. Watching for that shipping update had stretched the wait for my sample into an ache of nervous anticipation. Eeek! I had a tracking number...and a weeklong wait until I was holding my sample in my hot lil’ hands. My toes tingled at the thought!

Fashion is my passion; so working with my personal styling clients was a great distraction from watching for the UPS truck to turn down my drive. I was an hour away in the next town working with a client when my sample was due to arrive. Luckily for her, my love for making women feel fab won out over my impatience to rush home!

“I’ve got this feelin’ inside my bones…” (You know you are totally singing that along with me) Justin Timberlake kept me pumped on my drive race back home. The hour flew by, much like the blurred scenery outside my car window. As I pulled in, I spotted it. THE BOX. She was here! Throwing my car in park, I left it running and fell to my knees, tearing at the packaging.

It was like the Christmas morning scene from a Hallmark movie - a flurry of tape, cardboard and packing paper rained down on me as I pulled out my sample. Sliding off the protective plastic, holding her felt like I was dreaming in 3-D. Every drawing, every stitch, all my thoughts now had a tangible shape. And she was beautiful.

“Whoooooh” After a moment I realized I’d been holding my breath and as I exhaled, I felt it. “Designer. I’m a handbag designer!” At first, it was a whisper. A physical moment of self-realization. And then it was a shout! I WAS A HANDBAG DESIGNER! I could not stop smiling.

In the days following this became a familiar scene. A dream would take shape into a design sketch that I would then send off to Russ in Connecticut. A week or two of waiting would follow, with one eye always on the driveway, watching for a delivery. Each new design, bringing the same sense of awe and satisfaction upon her arrival. Fausto and I knew we had chosen the best manufacturer for our line. 100%.

Each new handbag was put through a rigorous wear test, enduring minor tweaks to her design, adjusting thread colors and perfecting her leather trim and hardware until she was perfect. My line of cork accessories was ready, and so was I! I was officially adding Handbag Designer to my style resume.

It was time to assemble a team, build a brand and secure the capital to carry my handbags into the marketplace. It looks like shit just. got. real.

Wanna hear more about my journey? Click here.  

IT’S SWEATER WEATHER, AND WHILE THE TEMPS MIGHT BE COOL, LET'S MAKE SURE YOUR FALL AND WINTER STYLE IS STILL HOT! HERE’S MY SCOOP ON ALL THINGS TRENDY THIS SEASON!

So, what is a fashion trend? You've heard of them but what do you really know about them? Like, who starts them and how do they trickle down to us? Listen up kids, class is in session! I'm about to provide you with a lil' fashion trend schooling. 

Fashion trends, created by trend-setters a.k.a. big-city designers, celebrities, musicians, artists, fashions forecasters and the like, are styles that have become hip to the masses.

Stylists (like myself), designers (That's me too!) and influencers attend bi-annual fashion conferences to gather intel about these upcoming styles to ensure their clients and collections are looking smart for the new season.

Twice a year the four fashion capitals of the world, Milan, Paris, New York, and London, host a weeklong series of shows called Fashion Week, showcasing designers upcoming styles. Fashions elites are in attendance and ready to spread the word. 

If a style falls flat on the masses, it simply dies away. (Eh-em, Lady Gaga's meat dress!) Styles that carry only a smidgen of interest are coined fads and fizzle out fast. (think acid washed jeans) Trends that have real staying power are called classics. (A single strand of pearls is always in style thanks to trendsetter Audrey Hepburn!) 

Rejoice! Many of this seasons trends are reoccuring classics. Let's start off with my favorite style trend of the season, metallics. So classy, and SO GLAM! When paired as an accessory, metallics can take your look from the office to the nightclub. So my fashionable friend, take this as your invitation to sparkle all day long!

I’m seriously fangirling over this season’s new embossed reptile prints! This oh so chic look adds some daring flair to a classic style. It’s ssssssleek, ssssssssexy, and so versssssssatile! (Ssssssssee what we did there?)

Plaids and checks. These two classic beauties are back on top. Wear a subtly checked blazer to your next business lunch or tuck (full tuck ladies- the half-tuck is a thing of the past!) a comfy plaid button-up into your favorite jeans for a Saturday at the farmers market.

Animals are on top this year. Faux fur is in, and we are embracing this trend, as are our furry friends! Leopard print is on trend, but only if you keep it classy. Leave the vampy animal prints in the Halloween costume box. This year’s leopard is luxe.

Another way to shine this season is high gloss patent. A common fear of wearing this luscious looking material is how quickly it scuffs. Don’t let that keep you from looking fab this winter! Scuffs are easily cleaned with a gentle buffing of saddle soap, whole milk, or even hair conditioner!

You know I love seeing a woman shine, and this year’s love of sequin is making everyone sparkle! Did you know King Tut was wearing them back in 1341 B.C.? Talk about a trendsetter! Guess that makes this style choice a classic!

There is no denying the iconic style that shaped how we think of the 80’s. Love it or hate it, we loved that the 80’s invited you to be yourself. We are seeing a resurgence of 80’s fashion. Hello high waisted pants! (And shoulder pads, ugh!) Whether these will be fads or become a fashion staple remains to be seen, but I’m stocking up on some aerosol hairspray just in case! 

I always love a flattering style that wears well on all body types, so I am enjoying the fit and flare dresses that are in this season! Their simple lines are perfect for pairing with accessories to add a nod towards your personal style. Add a cute belt, or pair with a hat to give your look that personal touch. Speaking of hats, they are SO in. Yay! My vintage collection is already out and in use.

Well-fitted clothing should always be in style however, lucky for us, tailored looks are hot this season. Also coming back in vogue are pant and skirt suits. Most of the 2000’s these looks were passé, but as we are seeing, classic style is having it’s heyday this season!

Fashion trends are as much about what is out as what is in this season. Things that are out: showing your booty! Midi skirts have replaced mini-skirts and low-waist jeans have been replaced by a more sophisticated high waist version. Also out: platform heels, big jewelry, skinny jeans (Yep, finally!), too ripped jeans and floppy hats. This season, we are clearly accentuating the female form with classy patterns, textures and silhouettes. 

No matter what you are wearing this season, your style is best worn with confidence! Girl, you are gorgeous!

Wearing one of our cork accessories this season? (We hope you said "yes".) Make sure to tag us on Instagram and Facebook. We want to see how you #getcorky with your fall and winter wardrobe!

NAMING MY FIRST BAG INIZIO (ITALIAN FOR BEGINNING) WAS PROVING TO BE PROPHETIC….

Inizio truly was a beginning for me. Now with newly sourced (high-quality!) cork in my hot lil’ hands, my design ideas were oozing from my brain like jelly from a donut (Mmmmm! Wenchell’s strawberry filled to be exact!). I greeted Ron with two fresh designs and my roll of beautiful new cork. Our little family was growing. Inizio was going to be a big sister to the sweetest little clutch named Gigi, and a stylish tote named Yvonne.

The new cork wore beautifully. And in several colors. Bingo! I had quality cork and killer designs, but I didn’t quite have the quality workmanship I was after. My cork designs were sexy, with subtle lines and eye-catching curves. My samples were flat. Boring.

Friends, I am LOYAL. To a fault. My heart said to go back, try again. My brain said, “Paula, Ron sews garments! Find yourself a manufacturer that crafts handbags!” Ouch. I loved Ron and his enthusiastic yes when I asked him to try something new! But, I knew it was time to find a manufacturer willing to take on this wellness guru turned purse designer and teach her the ins and outs of handbag manufacturing!

I joined an online marketplace whose sole purpose was to connect designers with US manufacturers. Imagining something a little like internet dating, I uploaded photos of my samples and waited on the perfect manufacturer to swipe right. Within weeks, I had connected with 12 manufacturers who were interested in bringing my line of cork purses to life. I weeded through, researching each one, finally landing on 5 that I wanted to meet with. Although I live just two hours from Los Angeles, a major manufacturing hub, all five were located in the East Coast. Hellloooo, New England clam chowder, and lobster rolls!     

“Eeeeeeerrt! Break lights!” You know how the road of life can sometimes throw you curves, just when you are finally getting up to speed? In our case, it was news that my husband needed heart surgery, and soon. True to his encouraging nature, he pushed me to visit the potential manufacturers before his surgery. So, just three weeks later, we found ourselves on a cross-country flight, visiting five manufacturers, four carefully mapped out Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives (we’re super fans!), two recommended pizza joints, getting in some baby nephew snuggles, and ALLLL the historical sights along six states during our five-day tour!

Following my heart has never led me astray, so when it led us to a manufacturer in Connecticut, I followed. My heart led me to Russ, an honest-to-goodness purse manufacturer and all-round great guy. Eeek! And, two weeks later, while my husband underwent surgery, Russ was manufacturing his first sample. My life was literally in the hands of a surgeon and a handbag manufacturer.

 p.s. Miss part one? Head over here to read the beginning of the story.

WINDOWS DOWN, MUSIC TURNED WAY UP AND MILES OF ROAD STRETCHED BEFORE ME. EVEN SPEEDING DIDN’T MAKE THE HOUR LONG DRIVE PASS ANY FASTER.

Waves of anticipation radiated off my limbs, making me tingle with excitement. Today I was going to see my first professionally sewn sample of Inizio.

With the squeal of tires only slightly louder than the music pouring out of my windows, I whipped into a parking place and rushed into Ron’s office. Holding Inizio felt like hugging an old friend. She was perfect. Visually, she didn’t look much different than what I had sewn myself, but instead of days, Ron’s sewers only took hours to create her. Bam! Time to take her to the streets and wear test her again.

Over the next few months I put Inizio through the ringer. She went anywhere and everywhere with me. The cork wore well, and cleaning was a breeze. Inizio’s design was still turning heads and the more I wore her the more I fell in love with how easy she was to use. Eeeek! I was so close to putting her into mass production….BUT, there was one request. Did Inizio have a brunette twin or was she only available in blond?

I ordered another yard of cork, this time in dark brown. Ron created another sample in the new color and I took her out for a wear test. FAIL. Like trip and fall in front of your ex, kind of fail. The cork wore off the fabric backing within weeks. This was NOT what I was going for. I was perplexed at why it would wear well in one color but not another. Knowing that quality should be consistent no matter the hue, I gave the cork supplier the boot and dug back into to researching the cork forests of Portugal.  

I’ve heard it said that FAIL means the First Attempt in Learning. Heck yeah! The relief I felt at having tested it out overwrote any frustration I felt with backtracking to find a new supplier. I was learning more and more about quality cork, and you can be damn sure that my next sample would wear well in every color!

Want to read my story form the beginning? Click here! 

WITH INIZIO STUFFED FULL OF MY HOPES AND DREAMS, I MADE MY WAY TO SAN LUIS OBISPO TO MEET WITH A REAL LIFE MANUFACTURER.

Los Angeles is a crazy hub for garment production, so imagine my surprise to learn that a quality manufacturer was actually only 60 minutes from me! Kismit!

Ba Boom. Ba Boom. My heart beat with such volume I was sure everyone within range could hear it’s thunderous drumming. My sweet angel Arcy, her friend Lawren (a fab garment designer) and I were walking into meet with Ron, my (soon to be) manufacturer. My dream hadn’t just grown legs, it had wings! And I felt like I could fly away with excitement.

The unassuming storefront for sportswear didn’t prepare me for the cacophony of sound and color that greeted us as we entered the workshop. Bolts of fabric splashed color against the whir of machines sewing garments. Ron led us on a tour of the production floor, learning the names and operations of each piece of equipment and meeting the sewers who were sew (see what I did there?) carefully crafting dreams into reality.  There was a music, a dance to the energy of the room and it swept me along with it!

Handing over my personally sewn sample to a professional was a little nervewracking... “Quality craftsmanship! Who made it?” Eeek! I almost asked Ron to say it again. I will never tire of having my dream affirmed.

Over tacos and margaritas, we discussed the possibility of Ron sewing my first professional sample. He was intrigued by my cork fabic...though he’d never seen or worked with it before. Thankfully he was up the challenge to work with it...and with me! I was giddy. And it definitely wasn’t from the tequila!

I left my sample Inizio with him so that he could construct a pattern and he left me with a to-do list. My craft cupboard was nearly bare from my previous forages, so I set off to purchase the needed items on my list. Though my hands were empty, my heart was full.

THOUGH I BARELY NOTICED THE INIZIO’S WEIGHT ON MY SHOULDER, IT WAS HEAVY WITH PROMISE.

My sample was good. Like really good. My fellow students peppered with requests to buy her.  No way! I mean...it was tempting, but I needed to see what she could do. How she’d wear. Plus, I wanted to take her to the streets and show her off a little.

Inizio was a looker. Her minimalist lines and stylish design were subtly sexy. And, people were in love with the cork fabric. Not to brag, but I knew they would! Only one reoccurring request was keeping people from falling fully under her spell. They wanted an interior zippered pocket.

Brilliant. Of course, a bag that was designed with an active life in mind would need a secure spot for essentials.  Back the craft closet I went. Now, with more cork from my role, another yard of pretty interior fabric, and a zipper, I sewed sample number two. Can I tell you what a beast putting in a zipper is? Whew! But now she wasn’t just another pretty face. She was smart, with all of the style and strength to tackle any adventure.

Her second time out and about, Inizio continued to turn heads...but this time, without any suggestions for improvement. She was ready (and so was I) to meet with a manufacturer. I knew the stylish public was waiting for a purse like this and it was time to introduce Inizio to them.

This journey has been a series of one angel leading me to another. Now it was Arcy’s turn, this time introducing me to a manufacturer who could sew a professional sample. It was in meeting Ron that I knew I wasn't dreaming this thing anymore. I was making it happen.

YOU KNOW THAT TENACIOUS ITCH TO START SOMETHING NEW, THAT ONLY INTENSIFIES THE LONGER YOU WAIT? THE BEST REMEDY IS TO SCRATCH IT, AND THAT’S JUST WHAT I DID!

With the yard of Portuguese cork now on it’s way to my hot lil’ hands, I tore apart my beloved “a-ha” purse to see how it was constructed. My mind was brimming with possibilities: an improved strap attachment, cell phone pocket… Eureka! Now I had a purse with the style and function to take on any adventure!

Foraging through my craft cupboard, I pulled out bright floral lining fabric....because I dream in color Baby.....and some matching thread. I scoured the internet to find a magnetic snap and buckle (fun fact, we are still using this supplier for our current designs!) gave my high school Singer sewing machine a good dusting and waited on the FedEx truck.

The day before my cork arrived, a mailer from the local college arrived to my mailbox. I had just graduated the year prior ('cause it's never too late to create a life you LOVE) and typically tossed those straight into the recycle bin. But, fate, serendipity, destiny….she had her sights on me, so I opened it. Flipping through I spotted a sewing class. I knew some basics, but my dream deserved more than a passing knowledge of how to stitch something together. So, armed with a newly purchased sewing kit, my aspirations, and some snacks stuffed into a bag, I showed up to the first day of school. Again.

Much like every other step of this journey, I met another soul to lead me through to the next stage. Arcy, my instructor, lovingly guided me through the construction of my first sample. And as I held my newly sewn creation in my hands, I could feel the pulse of a new beginning; and so she was named, Inizio. Beginning or start in Italian.

If you are itching to start a journey or just looking for your next adventure, we’d love to be a part of your beginning. Won’t you take us with you?

You know those moments when you get your best ideas? It’s always when you’re least inclined to write it down – in the shower, washing the dishes, driving on the highway. For me, it’s usually when I lie down to fall asleep after a long day. But my best idea, the one that led to the very site you’re reading this on, was (quite literally) a gift.

Once upon a time, I was gifted a cork purse from Portugal. I was delighted, to say the least. I’d seen plenty of wine and champagne corks in my lifetime, but never anything else made from cork until that moment. As a personal stylist, I’m always on the lookout for unique accessories, so I was intrigued. Okay, and it helped that it was beautiful and stylish. Naturally, I started wearing it.

You could say I have a thing for purses. I switch them out pretty frequently, always wanting to highlight a new one. But whenever I wore this cork purse people were mesmerized. No exaggeration! Strangers and friends would pepper me with questions: