Trends for 2020

Trends for 2020

by Karla Fidoe (owner and maker of Pop of Color Bags)

I'm loving the new trends that have developed in fashion. The idea of identity is huge - meaning a one of a kind bag showing your style is a must. I love to people watch, and I've noticed a wide variety of fashion in crowds over the last few years. The trend? To wear your clothes with confidence, no matter your style. Rock a bolero? Want to dress in animal print? Love neon clothes? Anything goes, as long as it makes you feel great. 

Boho Eclectic Wristlet Clutch

Boho Upcycled Tote Bag

Tropical Hand Strap Clutch

Another trend that has developed over the last few years is the idea of sustainability. No one wants a product to add to the planet's problems. Handmade is great for this movement, because sewing fabrics involves earth friendly products like cotton, bamboo, and cork.

Plaid and Cork Wristlet

Phone Pocket Wristlet Cork Purse

The last trend that makes my heart sing is #shopsmall. It goes hand in hand with identity. Supporting local artisans, local economy, and get an item that isn't mass marketed? Score!

Eco-Friendly Purses

Eco-Friendly Purses

by Karla Fidoe (owner and maker of Pop of Color Bags)

I didn't set out to sew eco-friendly purses. I sew because I love taking a fabric, combining prints and textures, and making something beautiful. Every piece of fabric tells a story, and I am lucky enough to be the narrator. 

The richest textures just happen to come from eco-friendly resources. Cork fabric is durable, has a buttery soft feel, and adds structure to a purse. Cotton can come in an endless variety of prints and colors, and adds a luxurious feel to a bag. With these two fabrics, I can tell a beautiful story.

A cotton canvas fabric can be combined with cotton rope handles to create an everyday market bag. *Side note: I created this bag and was worried about the cotton rope handles in button holes. So I tested it out by carrying it for a week. I toted my laptop, glass lunch dish, and a cork wristlet most days. The button holes haven't stretched, and the rope handles add a fun detail. After a week, I made a few more,  but have continued to carry mine, as it has become my favorite everyday market bag! It matches my cork wristlet, and gives a boho feel that compliments my style.

Creating eco-friendly bags wasn't my original mission, but has become my preferred fabric choices for sewing. The richness of the fabrics make beautiful bags.

Happy Shopping!

Karla

Not your usual Tote Bag

Three Steps to Create a Compliment Worth Tote Bag

by Karla Fidoe (owner and maker of Pop of Color Bags)

Scroll through Pinterest, walk around a department store,  or go out in public anywhere and you'll see tote bags being carried by most women.  We carry a tote because of the convenience. The open mouth makes it easy to grab your wallet or keys.  The size means you don't have to edit what you carry.  The shape is flattering for all body types.

I carry a tote bag half of the time. However, it is not a bag you get compliments on. I want to change that! I want a tote bag with personality and style.

The struggle I have is to create an adult tote bag that isn't boring, but still has that sophisticated feel. Enter step one. Choose a base fabric which has a rich texture or basic geometric pattern.

Step two. Think about colors you typically wear. (A purse is a lot like jewelry, if it matches, it brings together the whole look.) Choose a pop of color fabric which showcases your personality and style.

Step three. What can you add to the tote that makes it extra? It could be a trim, a pocket placement, or an embellishment like a tassel.

When following these 3 steps, you can build a tote bag that stands out in a crowd. Happy sewing!

Perfect Purse

The Perfect Purse to Sew

by Karla Fidoe (owner and maker of Pop of Color Bags)

I hate to ruin the idea of a perfect purse, but the perfect purse is actually TWO bags. What? I know you are asking yourself I how I figure a perfect bag is actually carrying two purses. 

Here is my argument: Every woman has a tote bag for those days you need to juggle 13,000 things to get you through your day. You need your lunch, a few items you plan to return to a store, makeup bag for touch-ups before you meet the gang for dinner, etc. 

But, when you meet the gang for dinner, do you want to be hauling around your whole life with you? No! Hence the need for a second bag. A wristlet clutch is a perfect companion. It's small enough, and weighs very little, to toss into a tote bag. When you get to where you're going, you just pull it out of the tote, and look like you have life in hand!

Need another argument to support my claims? You can give yourself permission to buy both bags you love instead of one!

Find your perfect bags 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!