Beautiful and Functional: Vertical Pockets to Modernize a Wristlet Clutch

A Perfect Wristlet Clutch

by Karla Fidoe (Pop of Color Bags)

I've come to think of a purse as jewelry. It adds to an outfit, and can even become a statement piece. Carrying the perfect purse brings my outfit together, and makes me feel like I have it together. Never mind that I realize I only put in one earring and my socks don't match... I know my wristlet clutch is perfect and is sure to draw compliments.

What makes this bag so magical? I've been sewing pockets on the outside of my bags for years. It doesn't matter if it's an over-sized tote or a small clutch, having a pocket
for my phone is more convenient than opening a bag or rooting around in the bottom to find that pesky phone. With a wristlet, most people sew a horizontal pocket and use a magnetic clasp for securing items inside the pocket. Why?

Vertical Pockets up the Ante on Function for a Wristlet Clutch

When you carry a wristlet, you place the strap around your wrist and it dangles vertically. Your horizontal pocket is now open on the side. I end up spending a lot of time checking to make sure my phone hasn't slipped out. Sewing a diagonal pocket means when I'm carrying my wristlet, my phone is vertical and can't slip out. Such a simple change makes a huge, functional impact! Find your perfect wristlet at my #etsyshop Pop of Color Bags.

Oilcloth...the perfect Summer Bag

Oilcloth Makes a Perfect Summer Bag

by Karla Fidoe

You're unique, so your purse should be, too! I'm always on the hunt for a fabric that is eye catching, and durable. When I build a purse, I want it to be used. I'm not one of those women who is very careful about where I set my purse. It's expected to spend time on the floor, get tossed in a tote bag, ride around in a golf cart, and many other places. But, I still want it to compliment my outfits and get compliments from strangers. That's a tall order!

Oilcloth has become one of my new favorite materials. Imagine yourself at the pool. This waterproof wristlet clutch can be tossed in your beach bag without fear of ruining everything inside of it. Then, you can pull it out to look super cute in your cover-up running errands at Target after a day of swimming.

Oilcloth has that picnic vibe, so this summer bag is ready to brunch on a patio, see Fourth of July fireworks, or go to the state fair. If it gets dirty, a damp cloth makes it as good as new! Find your oilcloth bag at my #etsyshop Pop of Color Bags.

Another Way to Modernize a Classic Tote Bag

Modernize a Classic Tote Bag

by Karla Fidoe

The classic tote bag is a classic for a reason...it's the perfect shape for fitting a large number of items. It fits perfectly over your shoulder and under your arm to keep it secure and balanced. The Classic Tote Bag shape distributes the weight of the items you are carrying, and gives the holder a slimming side profile.

 The problem is, every woman owns a tote bag. Sure, you can add text to the tote, but that doesn't necessarily modernize it. You can choose different fabric patterns to showcase your personal style, and that helps to modernize the bag, but doesn't quite take it all the way.
So what does modernize a tote bag? Being a woman who carries a purse everyday qualifies me as a specialist in what women want. In today's world, we value function along with fashion. The genius of carrying a tote bag is that you can carry everything you might need during a long, busy day. There is only one problem.
Think about it. You carry a tote bag to make your life easier. Very few women's dress clothes have pockets. You get to work, get out of your car, sling your tote bag over your shoulder, and then lock the car doors. In order to put your keys in your purse, you have to do a weird T-rex move to get the keys to drop inside the top of the tote bag. It's awkward and liable to spill the coffee and paperwork you are also juggling.
The fix? Adding a diagonal or vertical pocket to the front of a tote bag allows you to slide your crooked arm forward and place your keys in the pocket! How easy is that?! No more trying to bend your arm into a triangle and dislocate your wrist to put your keys away. You simply just reach forward and your hand is inside a pocket. Talk about convenience! *Bonus, it's also a fun way to add a Pop of Color to your tote bag!
Find your perfect modern tote bag at my #etsyshop Pop of Color Bags!

Modern Update to Classic Tote Bag

Modern Update to Classic Tote Bag

by Karla Fidoe

The best thing about sewing is understanding the construction. We've all seen a million fabric tote bags. If you can sew a straight seam and cut a rectangle, you can make this bag. I even taught my third graders how to sew using this simple pattern. 

So, what makes a classic tote bag special? It starts with the fabric chosen. I prefer to use an outdoor fabric for the outside because it is durable, water resistant, and adds a little structure to the bag without having to use interfacing. My second consideration is the print of the fabric. I love a Pop of Color in a print that is eye catching like this modern version of a chevron print. It's a perfect fabric in my book because I can pick any of the colors to pair with an inside fabric. (For this bag, I used a geometric green and white cotton fabric on the inside). These fabrics also make the bag machine washable!

The next step, after choosing fabrics, is to ask yourself what added details could update this tote bag? I really like the boho vibe of using an organic, oversized button like one made from coconut shells. The button only makes sense if I add a leather loop and use it as a closure. 

Between the print and the detail of the coconut shell button, this becomes a modern update to the classic tote bag that can be an everyday bag, a summer travel bag, or a very chic pool tote. 

Visit my Etsy shop to find a modern tote bag for yourself!