No. 3 Is Sweet As Can Be!

The No. 1 spot

as "Best Gift Shop" of the Central Region of Virginia

in the Virginia Living Magazine Reader's Survey 

"BEST OF VIRGINIA 2013"  

would have been wonderful,

however....

With over 25,000 readers participating in this Survey
we are elated that our shop,

located in "Little" Washington, (pop. 133) 

is in the same company as two lovely shops located 

in Richmond (pop. 210,000), 

our fair Capital and one of the largest cities 

in the state of Virginia.  

Talk about competition!

We are thrilled!

And YOU made it happen.

A huge thank you to all of our special customers and fans who have been shopping with us for many years.

No. 3 is sweet as can be

because of YOU!

"Best Gift Shops" Recognition in Virginia Living Magazine

I am thrilled to announce that our shop has been recognized as one of the 

top 3 "BEST GIFT SHOPS" in the Central Region in the 
Virginia Living Magazine's Reader's Survey, 

BEST OF VIRGINIA!

We always strive to bring creativity, a unique experience and lots of love to our shop and to the amazing people who walk through our door  

every day.

 

We would not be here without your passionate support these past 15 years.

Thank You All!!

2011 Independent Handbag Designer Award Winners

Bag made from over 1,000 recycled pop tabs.  Image: Time Inc. Digital Studio

I have a thing about unique and beautiful purses, totes and handbags....and I know I am not alone.  I love following trends in handbag design and awards are given out every year to notable and new bag designers.

The Fifth Annual 2011 Independent Handbag Designer Awards were just announced and there were some stunning designs that took top honors.  These awards are sponsored by InStyle Magazine and Handbag Designer 101 and take place in New York City each year. According to Accessories Magazine, there were 40 featured finalists and handbags which were ultimately narrowed down to 1200. Designers from all over the world took part in this competition, and there were a total of nine categories.

The "Audience Fan Favorite Award" was voted on by InStyle Readers, and after over 334,500 votes were tallied this award went to Neide Ambrosio Martins de Souza (her amazing bag seen above), a 69 year old designer from Brazil.  Her bag featured over 1,000 recycled pop tabs, and it was also given "The Most Socially Responsible Award".

Here are a few of the other winners:

image: Time Inc. Digital Studio

The "Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design" went to the Fabriola Pedrazzini of Milan, with this tan lambskin leather bag priced at $700.

image: Time Inc. Digital Studio

"Red Carpet Evening Bag Award": Clara Kasavina and Misha Berger for Clara Kasavina.

image: Time Inc. Digital Studio

"Best Student Hand Made Handbag Inspired by the Colors of VitaminWater": by Kaitlyn Doherty

"Best Handmade Handbag":  by Diego Rocha

"Best Green Handbag" by Belinda Pasqua for Sway

"Best Use of Swarovski Elements" by Lorna  Nixon (photo courtesy of the designer)

To see more images of the winners follow the links below:

Accessories Magazine
InStyle Magazine
Handbag Designer 101