DIY Couture

Can't afford the latest and greatest handbag all the girls have? Wouldn't be caught dead in a knock-off for fear of discovery and supporting child labor just isn't your thang? Don't fret, there's an affordable answer yet - all you need is a brown paperbag, a Sharpie and a lil imagination.

Spotted at JAK & JIL:

even the knock-offs get knocked-off!

...but done here with a bit more style by fellow blogger OutsaPop Trashion:

Abbot Kinney - Venice, CA

It only took 10 minutes of walking on uber chic Abbot Kinney in Venice before the designer handbags started passing me on this boho stretch lined with top-notch restaurants and independent boutiques. Everyone was out for a Sunday sun-drenched afternoon stroll with their BFFs.

First to catch my eye were these two stylish ladies and their totes. The always distinguishable Gucci Tote with the GG Jacquard and Large Horse-bit hardware and Saman Iman carrying her own beautifully designed Embroidered Pink Origami Tote. Saman may not yet be a household name but you should definitely keep an eye out for this fashionista. The detail of this bag is amazing. Each bag has plates of laser cut PETG embedded inside to create the feeling of folded paper. What a fresh idea!

Down the road these three ladies were browsing the antique shops looking ever so stylish carrying Louis Vuitton, Chanel and what I think is a Gucci hobo.

The handbag holy trinity!

Across the street spotted was this colorful and unique tote carried by a SaMo based, world traveler. Vanessa picked this up while shopping at the ChiChi Market on holiday in Guatemala one year. Located in Chichicastenango this market is surely the most colorful native market in North and Central America, perhaps in all the Americas.

Lastly before chopping off my long locks for "Locks of Love" I ran into these ladies. On the left this posh passer-by was carrying a magnifique Lancel handbag while her friend had a Hermès. Très chic!

Me, minus 10" of hair.