bryna nicole

Take a break from fast-paced city life with these easygoing, bohemian pieces from local sources. Just don’t be afraid to liven up hippie-chic hues in classic earth tones with a little sparkle. Rock 1228‘s killer crystal necklace or gold bow earrings to instantly add a modern twist to otherwise simple summer style.

Purple crystal necklace and gold bow earrings, prices upon request, by 1228

Vintage 80′s Brown Butterfly sunglasses, $46, from Elas Vintage Finds

Strapless Farrah dress in nude blush, $180, from LHC Couture

Vintage linen lace blouse, $10, from Cake Shop Vintage

Mini Harlow Bag in taupe by Bryna Nicole, $310, available at Indeeyo

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Full disclosure: samples were gifted to us for use in this post. Though we don’t think that biases our judgment, we think it’s only good, fair reporting to let you know.

Snap Judgment: Bryna Nicole Morelle Clutch

Our very-visual, (almost) chatter-free snap judgment of the day: the rock chic pairing of distressed leather and antique hardware in the Morelle clutch, $290, from San Francisco-based Bryna Nicole and available on Indeeyo.com, a Bay Area-based online shop devoted to independent fashion labels.

More snap judgments…

Snap Judgment: Bryna Nicole Addison Messenger Hobo

Our very-visual, (almost) chatter-free snap judgment of the day: the zippered Addison messenger hobo in distressed black leather, $320, from San Francisco handbag and accessories label Bryna Nicole. An adjustable strap lets you wear this rock-chic bag over the shoulder or across the body. [Read more...]

Bryna Nicole Handbag Revolution

I’m a big fan of handbags and I love to see local San Francisco designers design high quality, unique pieces. I met Bryna Nicole through a mutual friend and I instantly became a fan of her handbags. I can recognize her bags at any store from a distance. I think that it’s the shape but mostly hardware that is really making it look so different than what it is currently available out there. If you look at her collections you’ll see lots of metal accents that definitely make a statement.
I applaud Bryna for following her dream and making it come true.

Below you’ll find Bryna’s new Fall 2010 collection and if you are interested in becoming the owner of one of those you can find them on Bryna Nicole website, Shop Style, Ideeli and at your local stores. Please check Bryna’s website for more information.

Bryna was also kind enough to share her experiences with me and allowed me to interview her. Here is a recap of our brief conversation.

Before you start reading let me know who is your favorite Handbag Designer?

1. What made you decide to design handbags?

I was working as a stylist at a local boutique and had clients who were dying for a less brand-oriented luxury handbag and there were none out there at the time, so I decided to go to fashion school to learn the business.

Why handbags and not clothes?

Sizing is intimidating for someone who didn’t even know how to sew! Handbags were also where I saw an opening in the market.

2. What is your inspiration?

I’m inspired by all sorts of things. What my friends and what I need in a bag really comes to mind when sitting down to create a new shape. Functionality and style is always the most important.

3. How would you describe your brand? And what is different about your brand?

Vintage-inspired luxury with modern details. I try to use really unique leathers and textures throughout the collection and there is a very special attention paid to the smallest details like zipper pulls, lining fabric, and stitch size.

4. Who is your favorite handbag designer and why?

Miu Miu’s bags are always amazing. They use the best textures and combine things in ways that others would never dream of. They maintain the highest standard of luxury while still making a young, fun and functional bag.

5. What do you love about your job and what you don’t like so much?

I love that I am my own boss. I could say this is one of the challenges as well. I don’t have to answer to anyone but myself and a lot of times that is the hardest things to do! It takes a lot of self-motivation but luckily I love what I do and when I see a woman walking down the street with one of my bags, it’s the biggest reward.

6. Describe an average day of a handbag designer?

Oh jeez. It can be completely different every day! I work out of my home, so the first couple hours are usually answering emails and tending to any urgent things that have popped up since I went to sleep the night before. I usually have a couple designs in the works so some time is spent working on finalizing the detail sketches. Lots of counting: inventory, orders, prices, hardware quantities. Always making sure I have enough pieces for the upcoming production. Sometimes I have a meeting with a boutique or a trunk show or shopping event. A lot of times I’m travelling to NY, LA or Vegas – and most days I try to save an hour to take my puppy to the park .