On one of my several-visits-a-week to Target, I found this bag. It was such a perfect bag in so many ways, but...there was just something...off. See, that's the problem with Target, or Forever 21, or lots of the less expensive shops. I find that they often just go too far with a design, instead of aiming for simplicity they always have to add just one more round of bedazzling, or studs, or appliques, or something.
So.
This bag, in its original state (courtesy of the Target webshop):
It showed exceptional promise, but I just couldn't get behind the ruched sides...so I got to work cutting and sewing when I brought it home. I just chopped those wierd side things and a few hours later:
It is now nice + simple + tote-shaped. Sorry for the dim photos, it's a bit overcast today!
I've got lots of posts planned for the next few days, so it should be fun over here at the little clothes blog in the coming week!
Comments (27)
billions better than the original, when people in the street see you with it and they still have the horrid original version they will be SO jealous :-)
paper-and-string · May 05, 2007 at 03:29 PM
I, too, like the new and improved version so much better.
Megan · May 05, 2007 at 03:34 PM
It looks MUCH better now! (Those tie-loopy thingies) You do great simplification surgery work! : )
Marjorie · May 05, 2007 at 05:19 PM
I love that I discovered your two charming blogs just this week! Your style makes me smile (and apparently rhyme =)
HaVA A fab day!
Jeannine · May 05, 2007 at 06:07 PM
NICE. I have been seeing girls carrying the bag in its original form almost every day, and thought too that it was off somehow. Yours is just right. And will stand out from the others.
samantha · May 05, 2007 at 06:36 PM
wow, I'm so impressed I had to comment. I loved that bag too, but it's design as a bag would not work for me...great job with the modification! I ended up getting a super expensive Orla Kiely bag, which is also fun, but I still feel very guilty for getting it!
kate · May 05, 2007 at 07:40 PM
Emily...the bag looks awesome, I love it's new makeover! You know I am waiting to hear about your Anthro purchases, I know you couldn't resist!! I'll be checking in...for more details. : )
Jennifer
Jennifer · May 05, 2007 at 08:01 PM
my daughter and I found the exact same tote, she uses it for school, so the size worked just fine...I love what you have done to it though, we loved the bag 'cause it reminded us of Orla Kiely, but in the price range that we could afford!!!
very cute and look forward to seeing what more fashiony things you have for us to admire...
Tif Fussell · May 05, 2007 at 08:07 PM
Very nice. Kudos to you! *B
Beth · May 05, 2007 at 09:18 PM
I like it. It definitely looks better than its original state; great job!
Erika · May 05, 2007 at 10:23 PM
So impatient am I.... already checked back 3 times hoping that you'd miraculously had nothing better to do than to share the wonderfulness you just set us up to anticipate.
Imagine how happy I will be once it really appears!
Em · May 05, 2007 at 10:43 PM
You are correct. The bag is much better sans weird lacings. That beautiful print can stand on its own.
kiwi · May 05, 2007 at 10:46 PM
I saw that bag at Target a few days ago, and I loved and hated it at the same time. heh. Your version, however, is simple and cute and lovely!
Christy · May 05, 2007 at 11:01 PM
it's really great.
jill · May 06, 2007 at 12:10 AM
Yes, you are so right. It is better looking in its amended, much simpler form. Now Target just needs to hire you as a designer and we can all benefit!
Helen · May 06, 2007 at 12:11 AM
brilliant! I bought this bag too; the print and color combo is really appealing but once I got it home I realized it is too wide and unwieldy to actually carry around. I think I'll go get my scissors out...
kristin · May 06, 2007 at 10:39 AM
SO cute! love it! :)
Laura · May 06, 2007 at 10:45 AM
I thought the exact same thing when I saw that bag at target... that's a great fix! i usually only think that way with clothes but now i'm inspired to start looking at how i can improve more things like that!
mia · May 06, 2007 at 01:32 PM
I like what you've done here. I, too, thought there was something a-miss. And I'm oh so glad that you have fixed it!
corie · May 06, 2007 at 01:44 PM
i totally agree with you! i always say to jordan that skirt/dress/shirt/bag/etc. would be perfect if it didn't have the rhinestones or those extra ruffles or those unfinished edges...so many items are soooooo close. if only they hired you! their sales would skyrocket!!!
risa · May 06, 2007 at 03:51 PM
I have to admit I'm rather partial to the original (just spotted a woman in the restaurant I work at carrying it the other evening...), but I really *love* the refashion!! much less trendy and more "will look good for eons... not dated". :) bravo!!
Casey · May 06, 2007 at 05:53 PM
I am not among the people who were lusting after this bag (although it is nice) because I was not into the sides- I think they looked unfinished- sort-of haphazard- but you have done EXACTLY what I would have done if one fell into my lap...lop off those silly sides + finish the darn bag off properly! Nice job, as always.
shona · May 07, 2007 at 10:37 AM
Hey there - I was so inspired by this post, I went out and bought this bag yesterday - but now that I've chopped the sides off I can't figure out what to do about the zipper and the raw edges - would you mind sharing your secret?
thanks for the inspiration...
Allyson V · May 07, 2007 at 01:46 PM
I guess I wan't the only one who loved the Orla Kielyness of this bag. I pick it up everytime I go to Target and then put it back because something was just off about it.Great Idea.
Danielle · May 10, 2007 at 10:00 AM
I think it's cool that you customized the bag
candid cool · May 19, 2007 at 04:33 PM
i have this bag - i love the fabric and the gray & yellow, but i haven't used it yet because it just feels weird! the sides are strange and it's too big. but i love what you did! i think i might do it too. =)
teerish · June 18, 2007 at 01:32 AM
hi! i saw that bag at target...and thought the exact same thing! like...totally cute pattern and crappy design. i love that you did this.
my sister told me about your blog...and i love it. i am so happy to have found it. i love your cute style and seeing into your wonderful world. thank you!!!
meighan · June 27, 2007 at 08:51 PM