LA POE's Bag Lady

A New Look

2009-03-10T13:36:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd give my dear LAPOE blog a face lift. Something that says "I'm still connected to the website" (lapoebags.info)but yet still says "I like my freedom." Feel free to give feedback, I'm open.

I have a bunch of new (or rather used) purses to put up on the website so be sure to check back for updates. I really thought I'd be able to get it done this weekend, but as it turned out getting through the weekend felt more like running a marathon. I crossed the finish line. That's what counts!

I would like to also remind you that there are six more days for "Fashion Like Poetry" where you tell me how literally, fashion is like poetry, and I say, you know what that's a really hot answer and then you say, really, because I just came up with that off the cuff, and then I say, wow you're pretty clever, in fact, here's a copy of A Crime And A Simplification Of Something Sublime - hot off the press and then you say Thanks I can't wait to read it I bet it's really good and then I say, it is.

She Stalks ... Poetry

2009-03-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

This is another reminder about the "Fashion Like Poetry" contest going on, where all we are asking for is a brief comment to describe how you feel fashion is like poetry for a chance to win an autographed copy of a volume of nuler poetry by Kobina Wright and LB Lacey, titled, "A Crime And A Simplification Of Something Sublime."

This time, I've included a video so that you can get a sneak peek into what nuler poetry sounds like.

Enjoy and good luck!

Fashion Like Poetry

2009-03-05T12:40:00.000-08:00

LAPOE, in addition to the Monthly Motto contest, has decided to throw in another contest during the month of March. It’s called, “Fashion Like Poetry,” and to enter, all you have to do is one little thing – post a comment in this section explaining how fashion is like poetry, and you will be entered to win a signed copy of the book titled, A Crime And A Simplification Of Something Sublime by Kobina Wright and LB Lacey.

More About The Book

A Crime And A Simplification of Something Sublime is the first volume that introduces the nuler style, which pours out an overwhelmingly expansive title sequence followed by an extremely short and pithy poem that bends from the tone of the title to an opposing inflection. It is the third collaborative project for Wright and Lacey.

Remember…

All you have to do is place a comment here explaining how fashion is like poetry, and you’ll be entered.

Deadline: March 13, 2009
Good luck!

Valentine's - About Texture This Year

2009-02-04T12:06:00.000-08:00

Who decided that Valentine’s day means red and pink? Well I say this year, for me, the theme of the day is not at all about the color, but about the textures. Yes, textures. Plural. No mono-textural element can define me as a person, nor should it define my outfits, or accessories.

This Valentine’s Day is about satin. I doubt I’ll have the opportunity to see my own Valentine, because he lives on the East Coast, and I’m out here on the West, but maybe I’ll get gussied up anyway, mix in a little satin-sumpin’ – sumpin’ and take my daughter out for dinner. Or maybe mocktini’s at home with a romantic tear-jerker. Not sure if I’ll actually need to even use a purse yet for V Day.

My untraditional pick for this Valentine’s Day is this kick-tail-I’m-still-a-woman handbag that reminds me of a female military spy in espadrilles and Channel perfume. It’s olive green utilitarian cotton is a textural contrast to the satin bow in the front and to me, reflects the multiple sides of a complex woman.

Valentine’s Day is about the love, right? Not of only one aspect, but the complete package! Of course this is only one option.

This Bongo Satin Bow bag is at www.lapoebags.info for $17. Let me know what you think of it.

The Angelina Black Matte

2009-01-26T10:15:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, my daughter and I sat in the lobby of Goodyear, waiting patiently for someone to look at my car and find out why it has not passed smog. We watched a little basketball on their television set, and did a little reading before we decided to leave and find something to eat. Earlier we made a mad dash out of the house that morning without eating, to make sure we wouldn’t take up our whole day getting the car serviced.

When we got back from lunch, a woman sat at the far end of the leather couch in the lobby watching a commercial. We exchanged smiles as I sat at the other end of the couch. Then I turned to her and said, “I bet they still have it on basketball don’t they.” She laughed and confirmed.

I glanced over at her handbag, as this has become a habit for me to do, and noticed the woman’s very bland looking black purse. I offered her some better reading material than what was available on the coffee table and stuck my nose in my own book. I thought to myself, I should give her a business card before I leave.

Later, I thought that this Angelina Black Matte bag would have been perfect for her. It doesn’t have too many frills, but it is still sophisticated and of good quality – perfect for an “everyday” bag. I forgot to give her the card, so hopefully she read the sign on the side of my car, or will be told about us by one of her friends.

Which reminds me, please tell someone about us!

Orange Stripes in the Rain!

2009-01-23T13:13:00.001-08:00

It is raining today where I am, which is cool with me. The high today is supposed to be 65 degrees, which I think is absolutely perfect for a rainy day. So I threw on my blue jeans, boots, and a brown sweater, and as an ode to the grey sky, around my neck hangs a yellow, orange and red scarf. It doesn’t look as crazy as it sounds – I actually think I look quite smashing with all my extra accessories.

Also as an ode to the rain I am featuring a stripped orange bag that is currently in our clearance section for $5. I actually don’t know how it made it to the clearance section, because it has loads of character and is of very good quality. Nevertheless, I’m paying tribute to it today as a reminder that no matter the gray-ness going on all around, your own sunny disposition can’t be ignored.

Sophisticated woman with grown-up plans

2008-12-30T15:36:00.000-08:00

I have no plans for New Year’s Eve! There. I admitted it. However, I might just cook up an excuse to get a little dolled up anyway. Maybe I’ll suggest a sleepover for my almost teen daughter… buy a little sparkling apple cider (or blueberry!) and party with the (little) girls!

Maybe I’ll be the drop-off point for all the parents who have elaborate New Year’s Eve plans that I dream about but never attend anymore. Oh, I don’t mind at all! Someone’s gotta be there to help the children celebrate… if they can hang. Someone’s gotta keep the girls from drooling too much over the Jonas Brothers. I’ll do it!

The idea’s all super last minute. I know. And in fact I might just be watching the Twilight Zone marathon on the couch all night who knows. For those of you who are out there wanting to bring in 09 with a little sparkle, I recommend this small white beaded clutch (only $10). It doesn’t quite over-power your own sparkling personality, but it does say that you’re a sophisticated woman with grown-up plans.

Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays From La Poe

2008-12-22T14:58:00.000-08:00

We would like to wish you all an exuberantly Happy Holiday Season. Peace and good will to all men, women, children and domesticated animals!

Thank you all for your encouragement and financial support. We truly appreciate it all... from the bottom of our burgundy vintage leathery hearts.

Golden Woven Handbag - $10

2008-12-17T12:50:00.000-08:00

Now when your evening sparkles, your purse can too. I have it on my website for $15 (www.lapoebags.info) but I’m willing to part with it for $10 (not including shipping). I call it the Golden Woven and it’s even prettier in person. Please contact me if you’d like to snatch it up (it would make a GREAT gift too). Hit me up at: kwright@dramaticpause.net

This offer expires Friday 12/19/08

A Woman's Best Friend

2008-12-15T12:39:00.000-08:00

This morning I stopped for coffee because today is very cold and rainy, and when I got back into my car, it wouldn’t start. Great. It was pouring down outside and I was stuck in a shopping center parking lot. It could have been worse. I could have been on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere.

I took a deep breath, gathered myself, popped my hood and stepped outside to lift it completely, then proceeded to go to the backseat where I happened to have my jump starter. I pulled it out of the box (not in the most careful fashion) and lugged it to my car battery. I wasn’t sure if the rain water was going to electrocute me or not but I tried opening the cover on the positive side of the battery, however, it was very tough and I had to go back into my car and pull the key out of the ignition and try to pry it open. I was really afraid I that I was about to break my key, but fortunately it popped open without too much trouble. Meanwhile I was getting drenched because, silly me, I had left my umbrella in my hall closet.

I hooked up the jump starter and went back into the car to try to start it, but still nothing. I went back outside into the rain and realized that I hadn’t turned the darn thing on! I turned it on, went back inside the car, turned the key and presto – my car starts.

I share this story because I feel that it is imperative that women have a jump starter in their vehicle, charged and ready to go at all times. This little gem has saved me on more than one occasion, and this morning, if I hadn’t had it, I’d have to depend on the kindness of strangers, which is not always guaranteed to be timely. Jumper cables are great to have, but a jump starter allows you to jump start your car without another vehicle, saving you precious time, and is a whole lot safer.

La Poe Needs Your Help With Fashion Theme

2008-12-10T12:28:00.000-08:00

We’re moving ahead wih the fashion show concept and I think we just might have the ideal site for the first show. The place has not yet been reserved so we’ll hold off, for now, on those details, but we’ll keep you in the loop.

To add another element on our already exciting new event, we decided to base the fashion show on a theme; however we’re plum out of ideas at the moment.

So here’s the deal, if you can come up with a sexy (meaning catchy) little theme to base our fashion show around before Christmas, we’ll send you a free purse (of your online choosing) and give you credit for the theme on the website (www.lapoebags.info).

I’m really hoping to get some fresh outside ideas. Help us out will ya?

La Poe Also Makes House Calls

2008-12-09T11:43:00.000-08:00

Let’s say you’ve invited 5 of your closest friends over for coffee and catching up (which might also include a small dose of gossip). You don’t want there to be a lull, and you don’t want them sitting on your couch staring at the television either. You’re not so sure you want to organize any games, leaving that to bridal and baby showers… so what else is there?

I have concluded that in these times of electronic mail, automated customer service and text messaging, a bit more human contact would do the world some good. If, for example, you arranged for La Poe to be available at your intimate gathering, it would allow you and your guests not only to be more interactive, but also fashionable, and earth conscious as well. Imagine creating all of that peace and love in your home with your chums in awe of your cleverness.

I suspect you wouldn’t compare La Poe’s presence to candle parties; naughty parties or even Mary Kay. There is no multi-level marketing to recruit you or your guests. Simply, a small company with incomparable deals on the earth-wise fashion accessories you hang on your shoulder and carry under your arm. Because lets be honest, just because you call a part, “a party,” doesn’t make it a party. La Poe doesn’t party… It does house calls.

To arrange a California La Poe house call, go to www.lapoebags.info.

The Coin Purse Advisor #1

2008-12-08T12:56:00.000-08:00

It's all about making your pennies stretch as far as they can go now and in the spirit of thriftiness, La Poe would like to help you out by giving you two thrift points in regards to stuffing your face.

1. Cook at home
For some, cooking at home is like breathing, simply because they find joy in the zen art of cooking. Others, however, lump cooking into the subjects of calculus or Aramaic. To get over the creeping fear and stress of cooking, you might want to start off by home-feeding once a week, and slowly stack the days until you’re cooking at least 5 times a week. For inspiration, calculate how much you spend on eating out for the month.

2. Make your own coffee
Do you really need a venti vanilla latte with extra whip cream? Is it something you can learn to make at home? Because paying four dollars for a cup of coffee everyday during the week can easily set you back $80 – and that’s not even including the low-fat blueberry muffin.

To save on great vintage and used handbags visit www.lapoebags.info.

No White Christmas For Me! Thank You.

2008-12-04T10:28:00.000-08:00

There are 21 days left until Christmas, and I’m down here in sunny Southern California, where it occasionally hails, but almost never snows, looking over pictures of Leukerbad in Switzerland.

Looking at the pristine snowy white Alps as the backdrop of this resort, reminds me that I’ve never dreamed of a white Christmas. As a matter of fact, I remember one year, I decided that my Christmas wrapping paper would be a palm tree covered roll of paper I bought from step-sister’s school fundraising catalog. Now is the time that I wish I had a six foot plastic palm tree I could cover in Christmas lights - my own interpretation of a Southern Cali Christmas.

I was invited to a Christmas party today and I don’t have a thing to wear. Well, maybe I have something, but I kind of like acting like I don’t. It gives me a guilt-free reason to shop for myself during the holidays. Although, I must say, that my guilt is feeling lighter and lighter as the years pass.

Being the Santa party season and all, I thought I’d share my La Poe (www.lapoebags.info) pick for a handbag that would look great at any Christmas shindig. I’ve picked the white beaded evening clutch, because whether you’re ankle deep in snow, or have almost forgotten what snow looks like (like me), it still translates to “winter holidays.”

Scaling Back Is The Key

2008-12-03T12:40:00.000-08:00

This might sound crazy coming from me, but I want a movement to form, banning "Black Fridays." It is this crazy manipulation we buy into, pushed by both television media and retailers alike. Yes sure, they have to make some money because they've been counting on a frenzy all year. But suppose we decide to take control of our finances once and for all and decide that Christmas is not about spending until you vomit. Say we redefine Christmas as a deeper and personal time of year. We all say that we know the meaning, but then we go out and max out our cards, indulge our spoiled and ungrateful children,and give "stuff" to people, not knowing if they're actually going to use it or not.

Don't mistake what I'm saying. I'm all about giving too, it's just that I believe scaling back is the key to true appreciation of the gifts we both give and receive.

Re: Fashion Show

Oh yes! We mean business! We are moving forward on the fashion show idea and we're currently looking for a venue to showcase. The tentative date for the show is February 7th. Stay tuned for details at www.lapoebags.info.

I Sho Am Glad I Thought A' That!

2008-12-02T10:55:00.000-08:00

Okay, I’m out here sniffing around trying to find out about the next fashion show we’re going to be apart of, when it dawns on me – we might want to create one of our own. Ding! What a brilliant idea! As Brer Rabbit would say, “I sho am glad I thought a’ that!”

Okay so here’s the deal, we are planning a La Poe Trunk Fashion show for the month of February to show off the wonderful possibilities in vintage and used handbag fashion. The idea is so new, that we haven’t even put a tag on it. Just keep checking here, or on the La Poe Bags website (www.lapoebags.info) for more information about the show.

The search is still on, however, to find a fashion show to partner with. If you have any ideas, don’t be bashful. Let us know. And keep visiting at Lapoebags.info for your earth-conscious-fashion-forward Christmas shopping.

Toodles!

We Want To Work At Your Fashion Show!

2008-12-01T19:47:00.000-08:00

La Poe is now looking to contribute to up coming fashion shows from now until April. If you, or an organization you are affiliated with, are planning to strut your own runway models down a catwalk, be sure to keep La Poe in mind to assist with our vintage and used bags to compliment your fashion and to create a unique look no other designer's models will don.

In the meantime, we are working around the clock this holiday season to increase the volume on our buzz! Zzzzzzzz! If you like what La Poe is all about, go to our website often (www.lapoebags.info) ... we will be making constant changes; check out our videos on YouTube; and tell someone about who we are and what we are doing. Word of mouth is the quickest (and still the best) form of advertisement. We will love you forever!

Cheers to you this holiday season!

While We Were Feasting

2008-11-30T12:10:00.000-08:00

While we were out stuffing our faces at the homes of our family and friends (and even hosting in our own festive abodes), the founder and director of The G.R.E.E.N. Foundation, Ernesta Wright, was out feeding and giving gifts to the homeless. She forewent the dinner invitations from two different family members and headed to Los Angeles to help some of those who are less fortunate.

"They were so grateful! One woman said, 'Thank you so much for doing this for us!'" Ernesta said yesterday.

The G.R.E.E.N. Foundation, is a non-profit organization that provides a number of services. The organization’s acronym stands for Gathering Resources to Educate and Empower through Networks. Among many of it’s services, the organization provides economic empowerment workshops to assist other non-profit organizations as well as provide health education forums and workshops to educate communities on breast health; anti-tobacco; HIV/AIDS and other preventative diseases.

A portion of the proceeds from La Poe Bags goes to support The G.R.E.E.N. Foundation. To find out more about The G.R.E.E.N. Foundation go to http://www.thegreenfoundation.net and to find out more about La Poe, go to www.lapoebags.info.

La Poe's First Restock

2008-11-29T22:03:00.000-08:00

Business is picking up for us here at La Poe, despite the doom and gloom forecasted for this year's holiday season for retailers. Fortunately we are a new business so we have nothing to compare it to. Lucky us. So things are looking up...I'm excited, all of La Poe's clients seem to be excited as well, and with the eddie of happiness swirling around in the air, we decided to slash a few prices on our site as well (www.lapoebags.info).

In our restock of inventory, I found this super cute patten leather, nose-in-the-air number. I'm hard pressed to find a purse that a woman at any age would love to have, but this one comes pretty darn close. And seeing how we absolutely have to be creative this Christmas (well most of us), this handbag would make one very merry gift.