Designer Look: Miss Charm School Handbags

 While I love hearing about new products from nationally recognized designers—like Seven’s new jeans for shorter girls (a.k.a me)—there’s always something inherently satisfying about finding a great local company that’s making chic and stylish products.

Case in point: Miss Charm School handbags. I got an email about the company a few days ago, and loved the photos sent. Started by former Westchester couple Susan and Robert Pizzo—they spent most of their lives living in the southern part of the county, but now call Connecticut home—the bags are made using vintage and fine upholstery fabrics.

Susan, who works full time as a design consultant for a home furnishings company, came up with the idea about a year ago. Now, she scours the area to find interesting fabrics, hardware and charms, often choosing vintage designs. She sketches her ideas and then craftsman Linda Gherardi cuts the fabrics and puts it all together by hand. Since the fabrics are often remnants and others are rare finds, no two are exactly alike and some are extremely limited edition.

The bags are produced in their home studio, and Robert, who takes care of all the behind-the-scenes work, says they hope to sell direct from their website very soon. For now, if you’re interested in ordering any—or seeing the entire collection—send them an email at info@misscharmschool.com. Their website, www.misscharmschool.com has a home page where you can see a few designs, but it’s still a bit under construction. Here’s a preview of some of the bags from their resort and fall collections:

If you’re looking for vintage at a great price, try the Gwen bag. The design uses vintage limited edition upholstery fabric. It was 24” straps and is lined with two pockets inside. $65.

 

From the resort collection, this large tote is created using an indoor/outdoor fabric. $150.

If you want something a little on the smaller side, this bag might be just what you need. One of my favorites, it comes from the Petite collection and comes with a cute wooden handle. $75

 

Even smaller? This cosmetic bag holds just enough. $35.