bug-a-boo baby blog

Passion for Purple!

I couldn't wait to get back to our blog--this summer has been CRAZY BUSY!!  I know all of us moms to relate: summer camps, baseball games, pool days, water parks, barbeques, tennis matches, playdates, cookouts, fishing, boating, camping, vacation...the list goes on and on.!!!!  Aside from all of this summer fun, we have been working non-stop on so many projects....I've actually been posting lots of photos lately on our bug-a-boo baby facebook fan page...we would love to see our customers become "fans" so you will have to check it out!

  I've been dreaming about purple lately and how it will be leading us into fall (sorry, I mentioned the word Fall and it's only mid summer--this is just because I'm in retail and one season ahead..I know, shame on me)--it's been such a refreshing change...

Chic combination: purple, browns, metallic silver!

 

take a close look at that Fun new gunmetal metallic bottom: so Chic.

 

We are seeing purple in nail polish as well...love this shade.

I'm also always a big fan of pewter color too!  love these nails!!!

Purple paint color is back, purple wallpaper, purple home accessories make a dramatic statement:

that velvet couch is to die for!!!!!!!!!!

Luxury wallpaper in purple & silver--so stunning!

check out this AWESOME bold bedding from the Dorm 09 collection from Target!  I love when the dorm stuff comes out (hmmmm..wait I've been out of college now for how long?)

Accessorize with Purple!

I can see it now...mixture of purple, yellows, browns, and silvers---I may just have to re-decorate one of my rooms in this different color combination.  Check back soon for my next chic upcoming color combination--we'll have some new fabrics to spotlight too! For now, pick out your favorite shade of purple to for a fresh mid summer accent color!

It's Wednesday:  Happy Mid Week! 

 

Summer HOT bag

We haven't had much heat here yet in central Illinois..summer seems to be starting late!  I do want to share with everyone though this absolutely SIZZLING & unique color combination--check out the bright and bold hot pink, white & silver combination--is this stunning or what?

 

The hot pink solid underneath the straps makes for a great look--an will help stay looking new!

 

This bag is soooo HOT --can't wait to create more bags using this awesome combination of color!!

Designs of the week: Color, Texture, & pattern

Fab Bags!!!

It's been a crazy busy production week--lots of completed bags, and so many wonderful designs that we want to share-these showcase some of our newest in stock fabrics!  Check them out:

Custom Big Totes with metallic bronze bottom panel & silver ring hardware

 

Stunning pink/raspberry pink print fabric--the chocolate brown is raised "velvet texture"

 

 

Large Maud bag below with popular brown/natural giraffe--this designer added slick yellow patent side panels!--so chic & fun.

 

 

Beautiful leaf patterned fabric with teal shimmery dot fabric for a "shiny" outer pocket

 

Big Tote below with high gloss silver patent pocket--fabric is silver, gray, mustard, crisp white--very clean & contemporary look

 

Small Maud bags below...selected for some fun & special teachers--end of the year gifts!

 

Check out the burst of sunny yellow chenille/velvet sides mixed with a 60's feel orange/yellow oilcloth lining--spring & summery!

 

The hot pink and bright yellow sides really made these bags "pop"

 

Below is a classy, sophisticated wristlet --perfect for special nights out--

 

love the inside lining mix--raspberry, cocoa brown colors--chunky & sparkly handle polishes your look

one more favorite from the week is this stunning Jewelry Pouffe-the black/yellow mod fabric is so trendy!  How cute would this look on a vanity?  Perfect glam gift!

 

Which one is your favorite design combination? 

Weddings!

We recently had the opportunity to work with a spring bride and her attendants--each gal custom designed her own bag by selecting fabrics that reflect individual personality!  I love these bridal group gatherings as they always bring fashion, friends, food & fun together all in one evening.  The finished bags are stunning, and we wanted to give you a closer look. 

KISSme Clutches:

Half of the bridal party chose our signature KISSme clutches for their special "bag"--check out these beauties:

Raised velvet textured fabrics were used for the ultimate party bag...

 

The metallic dots lining on the bag below creates a "shimmery" look...

 

More KISSme clutches are available on our salon website:

http://www.bugaboobaby.com/category_12/Wedding-.htm

Totes:

The other half of the bridal group chose custom totes for their individual bags--these are fresh & filled with personality:

 

 

The pop of color against the crisp brown/white fabric was stunning and so summery!

 

I loved the bronze metallic bottom panel on the above supertote--the bride chose this green tropical leaf print as the perfect honeymoon beach bag...

 

The poppy color pocket and chic black vinyl bottom makes the above tote oh so chic.

 

Shot of the grouping above...

 

bbb will also wrap the bags in fun & shiny packages--the yellow and silver brought a fun spring touch..

 

Wedding season is officially upon us!...so give our design salon a call  at 309.862.2847 to set up your custom bridal design party...it is a fun, relaxed, artistic atmosphere to create unique gifts for brides & bridal parties.  We also can work with out of town brides--call our salon for more details!

 

Building a Bag...

Busy Busy Busy spring at the design studio-finishing up lots of spring/early summer bags, currently also working on finishing custom clutches and totes for a bridal party (will post fun photos from this gathering later)--creating lots of Mother's Day jewelry Pouffes.  It's been so much fun--and, our third installment of summer fabrics just arrived!  I have lots of favorites--and was working with one particular favorite in hot greens and yellows that is going to make the best summer tote!  I thought I would feature my design ideas:

Summer Supertote

Outer part of the tote will be in this funky, chain link patterned green/yellow summery terry cloth fabric--this has a modern & vintage feel to it. 

Add a gold metallice bottom panel to this bag for some summertime glam--putting a bottom panel out of this type of fabric is hot!--not only does it help protect against soiling, it also shimmers in the sun!  My oilcloth choice for the lining is a funky lattice/hibiscuis floral mix--I love how this looks with the terrycloth fabric!  Take me to the beach please...

Next, I grabbed a 60's floral pattern with greens,yellows, browns, white..throw this in for a pocket, add the gold hardware..top it off with a metallic yellow dot, maybe a little green patent ....and you have one hot summer bag.

 

 

Fresh. Funky. Fun.--this bag will have a fantastic overall look--and will make you want to pack your suit & towel.

Order Now!...if interested in this bag design as created above, give our design salon a call at 309-862-BUGS to place your order (or send e-mail to bugaboobabysalon@aim.com

Mention this blog entry (for this design) and you will receive a sweet 10% summer discount.  Hurry-this fabric will not last long---it's a rare find!

Jewelry Pouffes

It's Cute. Glam. Chic. makes a statement. travels easy. holds all of your little treasures..it's our newest accessory within our collection--the Jewelry Pouffe. We've been waiting to introduce you to this new lady accessory--with its practicality, uniqueness, and vintage flair, it's the perfect accessory for your wardrobe.  Take a look at the savvy style of the Pouffe...

 

Compact size...

 

Easily opens to expand for storage of our jewelry collection--travel smart. travel stylish.

 Stylish accessory for your vanity--Ties right up with shimmery, shiny cording.

It's so cute, and the right fit. We are thrilled at the construction and look of this smart jewelry holder as many clients I've talked to, along with myself, usually travel with our precious jewels in nothing more than a ziploc bag or small recycled box.  The Pouffe will soon become a favorite..check out the different color combinations...

 

With Mother's Day just around the corner, and end of the year teacher gifts, the Pouffe is  a hit.  The $30.00 is a great price point to show stylish appreciation! Custom options for the Pouffe are endless--It's a small package with great BIG appeal...jewerly will now travel in style. 

New Ideas, hot accessories...

Rolling into spring, we have some fabulous new accessories & bag highlights to share with you--they are perfect for the season:  This bag below is so neutral and shiny--it's the perfect combination to coordinate with any outfit--you're going to love it!!!  The silver metallic patent sides on this bag are hot:

 

 

 

There in nothing more chic than white and silver!  We were so excited to get the silver patent in, as we've had fun with the black patent this winter..this look is a must have for spring/summer.

Easter weekend is just around the corner and some of our small accessories are perfect for those Easter baskets...

Fabric reversible headbands in fun & funky fabrics...these are fresh for warmer days..

 

   Fabric flower clips/pins...flowers are everywhere this Spring...so fun swooped on side of hair..great on all ages...some other ideas for these flowers are on belts, hats, bags, jackets, just about anywhere..they were so popular at our Chicago show last week!  Check it out on a scarf...great look isn't it?  We have a wide variety in stock right now...Stop by our studio to check out this great collection..

   

Pick up a fabric covered pony or two for Easter...make perfect little gifts...

   

The bobby pins are another popular item this spring...I've been selling these mostly to trendy moms....Clip your hair with one of these and you'll complete you look--these featured accesories are all between $5-15.00. 

We will be unveiling another new accessory in our next blog entry--we can't wait for it--it's a must have and a great Mother's DAy gift....come back in a few days to preview. 

    

Bag Design show in Elmhurst

Today we're traveling to Elmhurst--Chicago suburb to participate in an exciting evening of designing!  We can't wait to unveil some of our brand new fabrics/designs for this party gala!  It's going to be so fun..here's a sneak peek at some of the bags/accessories we will be taking today-

 

This large BOBO bag has been designed using what may be the most unusual, spectacular fabric we've ever had in stock...this fabric just arrived to the studio last week, and I couldn't wait to get a bag created from it...it is FABULOUS--clear bright colors, mixed with chocolate and tan--the brown is a "flocked" effect.  You just can't believe the texture...take a closer look below...I think this bag will be one of the first to sell at tonight's showing.

 

What do you think?  Kind of groovy, hip..yet still classy.  love it.

Next up is a beautiful fabric highlighted in our Maud style--the poppy colored sides screams spring!

 

Awesome color--now check out the mix of black/white zebra print for the lining--This combination really pops!!

 

This all brown/white pool bag--Supertote--is stunning...there are lots of us getting ready for sunny days--this is perfect for toting around summer necessities...

 

This year, we're thrilled to offer our new line of hair accessories at the show--these fabric flower clips/pins have been selling like crazy--they are wonderful for adding just the right touch for a photo--

 

Flower clips look chic on our clutch...

The clutch is the other hot item for tonight--this one has been getting lots of attention at the salon:

  This is a fun group of women, so we are looking forward to another great evening...we can't wait to see all of the fun designs they choose...we'll be reporting some of the combinations upon our return...check back at the latter part of the week to catch a summary of the evening..it's always fun & interesting to see which bag styles/color holds most poplular within the evening!  
 

Custom bags by stylish designers...

Wow!  February and early March have been ever so crazy busy--I've been away from my posting because we have been working, working, working to stay on top of our bag production schedule...some months it's more tote bag orders, some more handbags..but this past month it's been a mixture of all of our bags.  You must take a look at some of these fantastic fabric combinations our clients have put together--I will be featuring new bags all week because there is so many spectacular fabric combinations!!!

First up is our Small Maud bag designed to look chic, sleek, & have spunk...check out the red hibiscus floral lining for a unique spring/summer touch...paired with the black/white outer giraffe print, and black patent sides, makes for a unexpected combo.  This bag got lots of attention hanging in the studio..

 

This designer wanted to add even more of a touch with a red brooch pin...check out the selected jewel--it fit her style perfectly!  Brooch pins are now available at our studio--they make the pefect finishing "touch" on a bag!

 

This next bag is our Big Tote with urban chic style...check out the silver/gray and mustard..such a sleek combination...designed with for a fun, yet neutral look..this fun designer was looking for a bag to go with everything, but with a little diff. color combination.

 

The Supertote below has has texture, spunk, and class all in one...the hardware adds a sophisticated style-this designer is a first time mom to be and received this for a shower gift.

  

 Next is our Bobo bag all glamed up...the gold hardware and chain/bead handle create a luxe look....this bag is your accessory--jewels and all.  The gold metallic bottom is a bold, yet practical material--it is one of our most popular ideas for bottom panels..this designer loves accessories and is a graphic designer herself.  She loves to make a statement.

  I love this next one with all of my heart & soul...well, maybe because I'm into birds these days, and I happen to LOVE LOVE yellow...this is our large Maud bag with a fabric full of character--the front side is the bird on a branch--with sunny yellows, etc..

 

 and below is the backside of this tote--blooming florals in rich spring colors...what a look!

This is a gift from one friend to another...the designer has great taste and is usually drawn towards our trendier fabric selections--for this gift she was looking for a natural & fun style.

 

  This next large Maud bag in brown and blue boasts awesome hexagon shapes mixed with a punch of classic damask..I love the mixing this client did on her bag...check out the brown velveteen sides for awesome texture!  This designer wanted to show off her new "baby boy" colors--

Then, below is our Big Bobo bag shown in a very large scaled damask print in black, gray & creams...I was able to take a photo of this client as she was using the bag--this designer is always ultra stlyish and switches bags often--she is a loyal customer and I work with her to achieve an independent look--This selected fabric also looks great against her trendy chartreuse spring coat huh?  Love it! ...these customers were able to:

choose it.  design it.  and now love it. 

 

Exciting Publicity!

It's a Monday and the start to another BUSY week.we had to take a little break on the blogging last week due to being stacked with design appointments, production work, and we've also been busy working on some upcoming shows--this always means NEW fabric selections--Yay!! one of my very favorite tasks!  There are some fabulous new textiles coming in...and, I promise to share some of the upon arrival. 

The end of last week was exciting as we learned that our signature boo blankie was featured in the blog Mommies with Style-see below for the write up!  It is always nice to see other comments regarding this little piece that brought bug-a-boo baby to life over eight years ago!

http://www.mommieswithstyle.com/mtblog/2009/02/ahhhh_i_found_my_favorite_blan.html

O.k...so, here is another exciting piece of news!!--our bbb gift ensemble--boo blankie, burpee & bib are going to soon be in the hands of one of my favorite actresses--Jennifer Garner!  A celebrity gifiting company Baby Swags has included our gift set in a super fun gift basket for her full of baby goodies...The pattern was carefully chosen to ensure it fit Jennifer's casual, chic and carefree style...so, out of all of the designs-to-go selections on the website http://www.bugaboobaby.com/category_6/boo-blankies.htm

which one do you think I selected?  --I had to think about Jennifer's individual style...she loves to take walks in the park, enjoys flowers, is feminine and carefree..any guesses?

It was a tough decision, and one I thought about for awhile, but it's the birdie boo design--I ended up creating as my design for her...it seemed like the natural fit for such a natural mom...well, it also happens to be one of my favorite fabrics this spring season--it's youthful, yet sophisticated--a great mix!

Here is a closer look at the whole gift set ensemble (photographed at the studio prior to sending off)--I just love these birds & flowers!!

We hope it fits Jen and little Seraphina Rose--take a look at what was all included in her basket--this image is part of the press release from Baby Swags: http://www.babyswags.com/jennifer_garner_2009_release.htm

 our boo blankie (featured above) was sent along with a fun green/pink/brown burpee houndstooth burpee and a luxe bib that featured the birds in perfect placement--it's a fun thought thinking about Seraphina cudling with the boo blankie, like so many other boo babies we have seen throughout the years! 

A big thanks to Mommies with Style, and Baby Swags for introducing more people to our signature boo blankie--and our entire product line. We appreciate our fans!!! ..THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

 Now, it's off to the studio for some fun designing with clients...make it a great week everyone!

DIVA night 2009-Your Reflection My Style

Tonight, February 17th, from 4:30-7:00 we will be have a table at DIVA night-hosted by Your Reflection My Style-www.yourreflectionmystyle.com

Stop by to check out all of the fun vendors and take a look at the fabulous photography offered by Chanel at YRMS.  This event is always a great way to roll into spring, and a perfect opportunity to have a girls night out--with friends, family, food, and goodies!  We are so excited to show some of our wonderful new accessories--we've teamed up with Cindy from Oopsie Dazie clips to create some very fun--one-of-a-kind accessories!  Here's a preview: trendy Panache pins--go ahead pick your personality!..perfect to attach to bags, hats, bulletin boards, backpacks, etc...these are irresistible!

 

Once you see these pins with flair, you'll begin to collect them yourself--

Fun bobby pin clips are also a new accessory we are offering--check out this display:

 

Fabric covered pony holders for a casual, chic & creative new look for your hair:

 Select each of these accessories as is, or you can can always custom design for an even more individual look!

The night will also bring many new clutches--these are becoming so popular--just wait until you see some of the color combinations within our in-stock collection...this is our feaure bag of the night!

 

 

Stop by early to get a gift bag that has some exclusive offers from all of the vendors (first 50 people through the door)...Also, with this special coupon code:  DIVA you can receive 10% off web orders...good  through the month of February on our salon website:  www.bugaboobaby.com

We look forward to seeing you tonight! 

Trendy Target just keeps getting better!

O.k..so now one of my favorite designers has entered the bullseye world!--yes, Orla Kiely has some exclusive and awesome designs in Target this month--this collection of home, kitchen, and organization is just so much fun!--and they are all my favorite colors!!

Our local Target doesn't seem to have the kitchen fun yet, but I've taken a "peek" at the other part of her collection and can you say kitchy chic?  Another fabulous designer has also landed in Target at the jewelry counter...Erickson Beamon--offering an exclusive-limited edition line of chic & colorful jewelry--with lots of sparkle..check out the necklace below..darling with jeans and a plain t-shirt, add sparkle to a chic black dress...just about anything.--i've checked out this line myself, and its is so nice. I think I may even make a trip back there tomorrow to purchase--you know when you see something at a store and then can't stop thinking about it?  that's justification in my mind to purchase--meant to be--can't live without it--I'm telling you, this jewelry is worth looking at.

More MOD finds this week: "mushroom" table from Urban Outfitters Online:

available in black or mod white

a "fresh" looking fruit container for the kitchen from Urban Outfitters:

I love fruit accessories!!!  Think Spring.

And, there's J. Crew..what a plug they've had lately--Michelle Obama is head to toe clothed in J.Crew and so are her kids--the Crewcuts line.  Yellow. Love yellow.  Love it with white/black/brown/pink/blue..it just make you feel so sunny & cheerful--this top is so cute paired with the white shorts--would look even better on when we are fully tan!  Vacation anyone??? .....UMMMM I must be in the shopping mood..

Busy, Blogs, Bags.

Wrapping the week up in one word: BUSY!  It was so busy, exciting, and productive this last week at the salon.  So many fun things to share with you...

Blogs

First, we couldn't have been more thrilled to learn of a couple of exciting product reviews some blog editors did on our accessories.  One was a review on our new KISSme clutch on the Simply Stated website (part of REAL SIMPLE magazine) TAke a look--click the link below:

Simply Stated: REAL SIMPLE magazine

We've been contacted by some new brides to do bridal party bags--this is going to be so much fun!  Customers living close to Bloomington, want to come in and design for all attendants, and some who live far want me to send a collection of fabric swatches so they can have the "party" come to them...I can't wait to send these Bride Design Boxes as each bride will be able to set up the "design" party--on their own time!

Next, our product line was reviewed at BabyLuxeDaily--a fun blog about great finds within the emerging baby market.  The write up featured our popular Parlor bag, funky changing mats, custom towels, etc.  Check it out: Baby Luxe Daily

We couldn't be more thrilled with these reviews...thank you Simply Stated & BabyLuxeDaily for the great reviews this week!

Stylish Friends, Stylish Bags
This week I met with lots of customers on new bag designs...I love to see their unique selections...lots of girlfriend groups were in this week--and, many new faces!  The end of the week brought in a group of three stylin' gals...it was so fun to see all of their bags emerge as they were choosing fabrics--oh, and they were ever so sweet to allow me to snap a few photos of them with their favorite bags!  Left, we have the expecting new mom carrying our original Big Tote in a fabulous Spring color combination" Poppy, mustard, pink, crisp black.  The next look is a chic small Maud in a textured giraffe print, with glossy patent sides, and a metallic silver lining. And, to the right we have the new KISSme clutch party bag in a fun spring Teal with brown and mustard flowers.  Don't the bags work so well with their overall style? These girls were just so much fun to work with--they created some awesome designs.  We can't wait to bring their bags to life...Thanks girls!

We are currently booking "Bag Design party" dates, so please contact us at 309.862.BUGS..grab a few girlfriends and come design for the night!!!

February Favorites

So hard to believe it's February--right now, I'm watching it snow outside and I'm still FREEZING in my house every night.  It seems time to focus on something other than winter coats, hats, mittens and boots...(even though I love pulling on my UGG boots during the day and slippers ast night...).  I want to share some of my "favorites" over the last week or so-

Our newly named KISS me clutches are selling quickly--each time we get one done, seems like it walks out the salon door:  check out some of these great patterns!

Purple & Gray: KISS me...an unexpected combination--love it!

 

Color & Spunk: KISS me

 

 

Black & White Chic:KISS me

 

 

our chic KISS me clutches will be featured at Diva Night at Your Reflection My Style Photography http://yourreflectionmystyle.com , Feb 17th from 5-7 p.m.  Stop by to see these fun party bags in many Spring colors!!  

Mod Maud:

Below is another crisp looking bag--this is our (small) Maud bag in the black & white fabric featured above, lined in slick black solid oilcloth, and glossy black patent sides..check it out..this turned heads today hanging in the shop--the client was so excited to achieve this simple, classy & chic look for Spring-

 

Come in and check out our wonderful fabric selections for a new bag or two!

Warm up with the CoZee Crib blanket

Mid January--makes for bitter cold mornings & evenings..and chilly days; at least here in the Illinois climate.  It's definitely been a Winter Wonderland around here and this leads me to the spotlight on our feature in the current issue of Tot Trends Weekly!!!-click the link below to see our feature:

bug-a-boo baby co-Zee Crib blanket spotlight

We are thrilled to be included in their Winter Wonderland issue, and can't wait to work with customers on our exclusive patterned & texured blanket!

Speaking of that, this weekend was very busy with design appointments--all for our ever so poplular CoZee Crib blanket.  Each January, I see in increase in orders for this luscious blanket--custom designed by you, this makes a wonderful room accessory as it's built using your favorite 9 fabrics on the front, and either a print of solid plush on the back.  Check out the the cutie bug-a-boo baby customer below wrapped up stylishly in her CoZee Crib blanket:

This blanket was specifically catered towards the colors being used in her nursery, at the mother's design request.  I love the the eggplant, greens and icy pink mix...so sophisticated yet fun!  The CoZee Crib blankets can also be personalized with a name...

We create this blanket for lots and lots of group shower gifts! ...customers can even come in and create a "design registery"--selecting the fabrics that they would like incorporated on their accessories.  At bug-a-boo baby you get the "individual style" you want.  With this blanket, you'll be wrapped up in style!

Help save custom & handmade accessories & small businesses!

To all of our dear & loyal bug-a-boo baby clients & friends:

  It has come to our strong attention over the last month that the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act passed last year states that if any toys or children's clothing/accessories don't meet the new Federal lead requirements, they will be considered hazardous waste and must be thrown away.  The act specifically states children's products for ages twelve and under cannot contain more than six-hundred parts per million total lead, or contain more than point-one-percent of specific phthalates. Basically, what this means for bug-a-boo baby, and so many other "cottage industry" small businesses is that on February 10th and thereafter, we will no longer be able to sell items that have not been tested for lead.  They have labeled this date of Feb. 10th--National Bankruptcy Day as so many small businesses across the U.S. are going to be faced with shutting down their business due to this new law--simply because the lead testing is so incredibly expensive for each and every item/and material component that goes into the product ($400-$4,000/ea.), leaving it unrealistic and unfathomable to proceed with testing.  Basically we as business owners will be left with two alternatives, and neither are good--somehow find a way to have all products tested, or to throw all inventory away..either scenario puts all of us out of business.
There are a couple of ways we can try to be heard and I'm asking for your support:  By voting on the website below, we can place this amendment proposal in the hands of President Barack Obama on January 16th in Washington D.C....the top 10 ideas for change will be reviewed by him, and this idea is presently in 3rd place...so, with your vote we can keep the numbers up!  It is a quick vote--I promise...takes only a minute.

Change.org - Ideas for Changing America: Save Small Business From the CPSIA 12:40am

Source: www.change.org

A Proposal From the handmadetoyalliance.org: In 2007, large toy manufacturers who outsource their production to China and other developing countries violated the public's trust. They were selling toys containing traces of lead, etc.

Please help make a change to this new law requiring mandatory lead testing on all handmade clothing and accessories marketing children ages 12 and under. As of Feb 10th, 2009 anyone who produces or sells any of the following new or used items will be required to comply with the law: toys, books, clothing, accessories, art, educational supplies, materials for the learning disabled, bicycles, and more. Any uncertified item intended for children under the age of 12 will be considered contraband after February 10, 2009. It will be illegal to sell or give these items away to charities, and the government will require their destruction or permanent disposal, resulting in millions of tons of unnecessary waste, and placing an enormous strain on our landfills. With your help, we can help make an amendment to this new law and keep small U.S. businesses doors open.

You can also sign petition here:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/handmadetoys/

After a wonderful eight years in business, we would be deeply saddened not being able to "create & design" baby accessories & unique gifts with you!  We appreciate all of you help with this, as I strongly believe we can make a change and keep our "baby" open for business. Thank you all for your support.

Regards,

Dana Rainwater & the bug-a-boo baby family

 

Carrying "color" will boost January blahs!

We all get the January blahs I think...I mean most celebrations are over..parties have ended, etc...and lots of warmth and sunshine are weeks and weeks away!!! Aside from that, this week was a great start to a very early intro to some Spring colors...in the fashion world, designer's are at least one season ahead..and we try too to have our in stock fabrics reflect this trend...

First up, is this beautiful, one-of-a-kind vintage fabric with creams, pinks, gold/metallic, browns & aqua...it's so different and made a beautiful large Bobo bag--the shape of this bag has changed a little for 2009--little larger, and less of a dip down on the top, and the addition of the bronze metallic vinyl on the bottom makes this bag very practical, yet still chic.

This is the side view of the Bobo bag--you can see how much depth it really has..you can fit lots and lots of "stuff" in this bag...and, with the one shoulder strap, it's so comfortable!

Another bag that will make a big statement with it's high style look, is this Louanna bag made out of black patent...the lining is a popular zebra fabric in black & tan...this bag makes me want to throw on a chic trench coat, boots and my favorite pair of jeans..this one has great Urban Style..

A new fabric selection catching customers' eyes this week is below...rich aqua, blue, mustard and brown..perfect for all our our bag styles.  It's an uplifting design and such clear colors--and is the perfect all year round coordinate for your wardrobe!  Remember even if you're feeling those January blah feelings, carrying a bag with a "bright" look, can uplift you!!--and, the best part is the custom designing!

A New Year with Fabulous Fabrics, Designs and a Fresh Start!

Happy New Year to all of you!!!  I don't know about you, but am I ever so ready to get back to a normal working routine after the holidays--it's sad to see all of the decorating, parties, family, presents, wrappings, holiday drinks go...but, aside from the "its over" feeling, I'm feeling ready to put the creative hat back on!  We all had a very nice and relaxing break, but can't wait to get back to the studio--full time.  O.k..so, we have some awesome ideas coming...and a few new accessories...so, check back with us often to keep up on our designs...and, I have so many great new photos of products, however I got a new camera and am having trouble with the camera software...does everyone agree with me that there's nothing worse than computer troubleshooting..first, you wait on the phone forever, get the wrong person, then they have no way of transferring you, then you sometimes can't understand them....only to finally explain and for them to say...well, ummm I don't know?!?  What????  So, then they tell you to do this do that, etc. etc....I just want a simple answer!!!  Oh well, it will come, but for now, we'll have to talk about some other images I previously shot on my old camera: this is one of the more vintage bags we've done out of some funky, gold, brown and mustard yellow awesome fabric--check it out..it was designed by a great client who happens to be an interior designer herself!
check out how the popular brown/white paisley like oilcloth looks inside this...crisp and fun huh?

With brown velvet sides, this bag is to die for...especially if you love colors of the 70's--kind of reminds me of a couch you might see in a Brady Bunch house...since we're talking about these colors, the bag below is a great blend too of brown and mustards....the client added gold hardware for a diff. look...
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Another client designed a more wallet type of bag--she was inspired by the accessory bag, but wanted it wallet size..it turned out great--I love the green on this bag!

Last, I want to share this photo of a Louanna bag in a dramatic black velvet--damask print...by adding a chain handle and bead dangle (handle/drop designed by Stacy Winkler of State Street Design: www.statestreetdesign.com )the customer has dressed up her bag!  Here's to all of the creativity 2009 will bring!!!

10 more shopping days--BE CREATIVE!

It's another Sunday night!--and, a wet and rainy/windy one here in central Illinois--I feel like just curling up under the blankets and watching my favorite Christmas movie--Miracle on 34th Street (the black and white original version of course). Also, please pardon my absence from our blog lately...it's the holiday season and that means lots of creative/sewing production, wrapping, mail outs, following up with clients...and that's just the work at the studio.  Personally, I know I'm feeling the pressure of getting all of the holiday activities done--power shopping for gifts, Christmas cards, special times with friends, family gatherings, school parties..ugghhh-there is never enough time!!!!--I knew this holiday season would creep up soon due to Thanksgiving being late..and here we are December 14th--and literally on 10 more shopping days!  Help!  I think I'll be doing some more on-line shopping right when I finish this blog post. 

Speaking of shopping, there is still time for the most creative and unique gift you could give those special friends & family....purchasing a bug-a-boo baby/bbb bag gift certificate allows for fun and creative design times in the new year.  Recipients of our gift certificates love to apply their card the following season towards a new bag for the upcoming Spring..or that special vacation. 

It can't get much easier than selecting a gift certificate this year...we'll even gift wrap it in our signature wrapping!  School teachers, babysitters, moms, sisters, friends love bbb gift certificates and they also work well for group gifts.  Speaking of teachers, each Holiday season we do lots and lots of our signature Stash/accessory bags.  They are such a fun item to give..one of my favorite Stash bags this season is below--a mix of the rich, classic houndstooth in a thick chenille type fabric, a bright poppy colored velvet flap, an the inside a surprise of these awesome "pop art" type flowers--in mustard, poppy, and pink.  Don't you just love the way this bag pops?

The designer of this little bag has fun taste..and we often enjoy discussing fashion and home decor together...we always end up talking about the latest issue of Domino magazine...now there's a great duo gift..a bbb gift certificate and year's subscription to Domino!  It's fashionable, useful, and creative chic! 

It's one of our very "favorite things" , and we want to share it with you!..so we are running a special promotion--from December 14-December 24th, purchase a gift certificate for $100.00 or more, and we'll add in a yearly Domino magazine subscription--either for you (the giver)--or for the receiver...Happy Holidays from our studio to you!

 

Go vintage glam with our new Meara clutch

It's so hard to believe it's the end of November and we are full steam ahead into the holiday season--it was such a nice relaxing Thanksgiving for my family and I as we enjoyed a simple and relaxing thanksgiving dinner, began to decorate for Christmas, shared some good times with friends, and purchased our first flocked Christmas tree--we are definitely breaking the tradition of our favorite green frasier fir--but, change is good and it was time for something new!...I love the crisp white look--how modern and fun!
Speaking of new...I'm thrilled to introduce you to our new bag design--it's a little bit vintage, chic, pretty and certainly feminine all in one.  We finished the first salon sample this weekend and I couldn't wait to share it--the Meara bag is medium sized frame clutch perfect for holding those essential "evening"  items--phone, lipstick, money, etc...I just love the shape and the feel of this clutch.

The funky paired lining gives this litte evening bag a hip look....

adding a rhinestone brooch also adds a little sparkle for a glam look...

With our wide selection of modern and vintage fabrics, and jewels, these Meara bags are going to carry a look of vintage glam...pair it with jeans, that fun, sparkly holiday dress, your staple jacket...it will become your favorite accessory.  The name Meara seemed perfect for this little gem as it was the maiden name of my late and very dear grandmother Bertha (or Maga as I called her)--she was the accessory queen--and loved anything that made a splash for her outfit..she also loved brooch pins and was never without her favorite lipstick in her bag--I often feel like I inherited lots of her love for accessories!  Beginning December 1 we will be taking orders for the Meara bag...
Here's an easy shopping tip...purchasing a gift certificate for this bag would make a chic holiday present!  I am so excited to see all of your fabric selections for this new bag.  We're off to a shimmering holiday season...