Bruce Makowsky and his wife Kathy Van Zeeland believed that there was a void in the handbag market for high-quality, luxe bags at a reasonable price. The couple sought to fill this gap and reach out to customers that demanded fine styling, remarkable craftsmanship and practicality. Finally in 2006, the B. Makowsky handbag brand was born.

Give fun and class a meaning with this sizzling Claremont Hobo. This hobo is made of soft, supple leather and features a 12-inch shoulder drop. The hardware grommet and ring details with braided accents make these bag super easy to pair with all of your Fall fashion items. For an upscale bag, turn to the Lincoln E/W Satchel, where beautiful form meets function. Lovely and luxurious, the Lincoln is made of rich leather and has a platform bottom with feet so it can be set down easily. The Varick Satchel from B. Makowsky is a boldly styled handbag that features top zip closure, exterior zipping pockets and a 17-inch shoulder strap to adjust to any fashionista.

Although B. Makowsky is relatively new to the handbag market, its rapid success and popularity has been tremendous. With timeless styling, excellent quality and straightforward functionality, B. Makowsky handbags are sure to be a favorite of the sensible shopper and fashionista alike!

Hobo International recognizes the challenges that women face. They have created a unique collection of handbags, personal accessories and travel bags that offer solutions to the challenges of everyday voyages. Inspired by modern women everywhere, the founder of Hobo International envisioned a line of accessories that offered women practical and stylish handbags at sensible pricing. This vision became a reality in 1991 when the first Hobo International collection went to market as a well-edited line of marvelously functional handbags crafted in natural leather.

Hobo International’s founding principles of quality construction, innovative design, and exquisite materials remain paramount in the design and development of Hobo International accessories. Hobo International’s in-house design team works to balance texture and silhouette with fashion and function to deliver accessories that fill the style needs of the contemporary woman.

Hit your favorite hotspot with a Hobo International clutch or wallet. The fun and sexy Belinda wallet is made of rich crinkle patent leather. Carry all the necessities in this 8.5” x 5” wallet with dual compartments and kiss lock closures. If you need to carry a little more, the Valentina is a soft leather, two compartment clutch that is absolutely stunning. At 12” x 5.5”, the Valentina should be your go-to clutch for any occasion. Hobo International also offers a classic clutch with a cool, vintage bic and intricate detailing called the Belissa. This gorgeous clutch style shoulder bag is made of leather and offers subtle pleating details and a stellar top kiss lock closure.

Hobo International is a true fashion vanguard offering stunning lifestyle accessories season after season. Hobo International offers handbags and wallets, travel and professional accessories, and belts and eyewear. Nearly twenty years since the first collection, Hobo International continues to harmoniously balance fashion, function and fun, distinguishing itself as the premier brand for women who live by their own rules.

This Fall, the handbag department is touting a lineup of rocker chic-inspired collections that feature oversized studs, gleaming silver and gold buttons, and chain handles galore. If you’ve always had a little bit of a rocker-girl style in you, this is the season to show it off! Some of the leading handbags of the season are designed with an edgy look with oversized hardware and darker colors for that tough-girl look you crave. From chain-handled shoulder bags to studded hobos, here are some of the leading looks in handbags for Fall:

1. Gunmetal hobos and satchels. While black is still a top pick for handbags this season, gunmetal silver and pewter shades reign the runways this year and are a great match for your rocker look. Look for charcoal, dark silver and pewter handbags and clutches that will accent any outfit with a fresh and sassy look.

2. Studs galore. From the miniature clutch to the oversized hobo , studs are cropping up on every piece of arm candy you can find. Look for matte silver and gleaming gold studs that look like they’ve been pulled right off a motorcycle jacket.

3. Chain handle shoulder bags. If you’re looking for a versatile bag to last you through the season, stick with the classic shoulder bag embellished with chain handle accents. Chain handles are a top trend in handbags this Fall, and your best bet is the oversized chain style that becomes the focal point of the bag. Not only are these handles super-sturdy (yes, you can tote your heels, wallet and a few books without worrying about breakage), but they will give you that edgy, rocker-inspired look you crave.

4. Coil accents. Coils, oversized metal hardware and rings are some of the embellishments you’ll find on the tough-girl bags this season. Look for crossbody bags and satchels accentuated with these details for a fresh and fun look.

5. Extra zippers. Zippers serve a dual purpose on hobos and satchels this season, and you’ll find a number of bags with lines of zippers as part of the design. They’re just another way to show off your rocker-chic look for the season.

That Abbie Morris, a Lead in our fabulous CLT department, owns 15 pairs of slippers&= ? Neither did I, and I find it both scary and interesting at the same time. Abbie also owns 40, yes FORTY, bandannas WOW! In an effort to keep this on one page, today we will focus on Abbie’s slippers, though I cannot wait to spend some time focusing on the mass of bandannas that she sports. Abbie likes to create fun and a little weirdness with stats like these:

1.She will proudly go shopping in her slippers (like a hobo).

2.She has been addicted to slippers for all her life.

3.Her sister is worse than her (wow, I didn’t know weirdness like this runs in the family).

4.It drives their mom crazy (big surprise there).

5.She is impulsively driven to buy them. . . if she likes them, they are hers, even if that means skipping an actual bill that needs to be paid (now THAT is an obsession).

I couldn’t put this stuff into better words myself, so now I will share what Abbie herself has to say about this blatant craziness.

“A few years ago I could be defined as the girl who had a pair of slippers and a bandanna to match EVERY outfit . It I didn’t, I simply wouldn’t wear it. I own over 40 bandannas and probably 15 pair of slippers. I used to have a lot more but I’ve worn them out. That reminds me, I really need to get some more. My favorite pair has to be my Ohio State slippers that I purchased at Zappos.com (shameless plug). I’m from Ohio and my grandfather played for Ohio State so naturally I have to represent! Aside from those I have Marvin the Martian, Ugg , Old Friend , Acorn, long haired multi-colored (with and without sparkle silver accents), slipper socks of all kinds, solid colors in black, red, blue, and off white, Ohio State(used to have UC), and countless others that I couldn’t begin to name!”

Wow, what an adventure! Please enjoy the three pictures we have included that show Abbie with three of her favorite pairs of slippers, the Marvin the Martian slippers, multi-colored with sparkle accents, and her Ohio State slippers. Abbie, we hope your Ohio State slippers don’t run into my Siena slippers, I wouldn’t want there to be an upset.