Renata - spacious, versatile and adjustable

I created Renata 2 summers ago, to fill my search for a versatile slouch, which could be worn in several ways, and would look equally good, whilst at it.

Because I usually have more than just one requirement for my bags, along came the idea, that it would be nice, if it were able to change its shape, height and overall profile to suit various occasions.

Also, my disinterest in the use of 'bling' and hardware on the exterior, and love for knot decor took a stand for its place in the styling.

Renata's structure combines a Bucket bag, and a Flat satchel into one, utilizing what is best about both. The rounded bottom adds extra space without adding bulk; and slouchy top without side panels sits comfortably against the wearer's body, allowing them to move freely. It is still large enough to fit your work files, lunch, and an extra sweater....

Size and profile can be changed by snugging up the threaded lace on the side. Renata look equally great worn off the shoulder by the pair of top handles or across the chest by the long bolt-knotted shoulder strap. Has a comfy, somewhat hidden front pocket... Mostly no lining....

Perhaps due to its versatility and soft leather used for it, Renata became the 'underdog hit' of the Spring 2010 Intro collection, and so far, the leader of the on-line sales....

In the fall, we will be continuing to make Renata along with the Pre-Fall 2010 Coming Of Age collection bags.  An array of new colours will be available at my booth at the ONE OF A KIND VANCOUVER  show this December 9 - 12.

We will keep you posted...

The gorgeousness, that are the Virga bags!

Virga bags

My new Collection is slowly rolling out. Ironically, first it will appear in retail, than on my Page, because lately I have been making a lot of promises  to the Shops, that are kind enough to carry my bags, instead of actual deliveries.

VIRGA is the newest style to see the daylight. I sketched this bag to help survive the 16 hour long flight back from my home, Vilnius, Lithuania and was really excited about what I came up with.

Virga is named after a lady, who is a long time friend, appreciates simple, but genuine things in life.  Same stands for the bag - sturdy, simple, reliable.... It is a compact bag, that could be worn as a tote, or shoulder bag - either way you like it. As on most of my bags, the strap length can be adjusted, or removed all together and replaced with something else.



Strap tie

 During the few days that I have been wearing the Virga sample, I must say I am pleased with the comfort level the design gives, hanging off my shoulder and sitting closely and flush next to my side. I can put my hand over the magnet closure for extra safety on the bus or train, and yet, can stick my hand inside the bag, or the pocket, should I unexpectedly need an umbrella!

Orange Virga

The flap pocket is great for keys, lip balm, other small items. Several compartments inside for organization. As on all my bags, the strap has extra length for taller fits, but can be adjusted for the petites just as easily.

Fall shades....

Due to the nature of the leather I work with, some colours will be one of a kind, and some will come and go. The fall is in the air, and so are the fall shades - of Olive, Navy, Orange, glossy Red Brick; look out for them in the shops of my darling retailers - and on-line...http://jolavdesigns.com/

Olive Virga



Navy Virga

Orange Virga



Coming up - Brown/Black, Azalea and Burgundy...

Accessorize your Fall -
and HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!

My "What to wear" for Fall...

Seasons are changing inevitably, and most of the Fall fashion overviews have already been out for weeks, if not months. I will be brief with mine, and include a few suggestions about what most of us could get away with wearing this Fall and Winter without completely ignoring Fashion...

There are a few very interesting directions I noticed popping up for this colder season, that are worth going deeper into.
In any way this is not a call to be a 'fashion victim' sought after the 'latest' and the 'newest'; I am not focusing on particular brands for my selection of images (Ok, maybe preferences have been given to smaller, fresher brands, or those who did something outlandish to them (yay, Karl!)).

Also, remember, that new ideas in fashion are generated in the Indie world, and only later, marketed by the mass producers, and acquiring your fashion fixes locally is key...

Here we go!

Still around from 2 seasons ago:

Some of the last fall's nicer ideas are back again- like outfits quite directly translated from Menswear ;  or Layered look with very contrasting textures (boho, or not); the Maxis (long, forgiving coats and dresses)

Layers and Contrast (all seasons, night+day - in one)

Menswear  translations - beehive optional...

More Maxis

Maxi - cloud of hair optional too

  

But, there are a few looks I do not remember seeing last year, and was nicely surprised by, such as these:

Lady-On-A-Cruise-Ship No More!

Wearing clothes that actually match together has for a long been a staple of cruise ship riders, ladies, who lunch - or golf, - or both, - at one end of the spectrum;  and 8 year olds on the other.... It manifested itself in matching your shoes with your bag, your belt, your umbrella stick, your bangles, which would match earrings, that would match shoes - and in the extreme cases of offence - it all would match your sun visor! Usually white mixed with all too familiar nautical gold....

Matching returned this fall, but it could not be further away from its 80 year old predecessor. Here are some great examples of matching similar hues, colours into one, and getting away with it.

Grey - no gold and visor in sight...

Matchy!

Lotta Orange

Meet Your Milkman - these cinched, high wastes followed by a fuller skirt are brought back from the 50's. This is a very flattering look for most bodies, I am so glad to see it return decades later. This fall, wastes are cinched over full skirts, A-lines; all giving you 50's style curves and even generously revealing cleavages. This look must have been the reason why the MILKMAN was such a sought after 'profession' for youngsters at the time....

Good for work...

.. and fun

..and LBD occasions

FAUX, not Fox.... 

 Fashion, unfortunately, still uses a lot of pelts. But the good news to me this fall, was that some brands, which usually put out alot of fur clothing each time, actually discovered Faux. Faux definitely made its entry this year, being used as trims, adornments, accessories or clothing itself. Natural fur is beautiful on animals that are born with it. If you have to wear fur, pls, make it vintage or re-claimed....  And yes, same goes for leather...

Here are some absolutely adorable fauxes:

furry does not have to be cruel

both images - Chanel

Here we are - hope we all have a good fall. Enjoy the season, dress the way it makes you happy - and more importantly - dress warm!

jolanta

Fall Leather, Part 3 - High Wax, Oil Treated and Distressed

Watt Tyler park at sunset, The UK

I have always been amazed with marshlands. Must be the moody, almost haunted landscape, patches of grass and water, the birds.... Also, perhaps because I've spent most of my life in the city, I find marshlands exotically beautiful and mysterious. Dry land ends, and water begins, life ends, and begins again.

A landscape like that calls for acceptance - of beauty within mud; change in attitude - from town to country; change in attire - from cool to cozy.

I draw alot of inspiration from the country landscapes, ambiance and lifestyle and try to rework Country Traditionalism into streams, that would fit a broader range of preferences. Most of the Pre-Fall collection bags are one way, or another shaped by country looks, lines and influences.

Fox Hunt, source Old-Photos

My marshland fashion began in the previous season, with the pretty traditional Western Rounded sack, KERRY,  eventually transformed into Classical TCB satchel JAKI TOTE , which also features country lace detailing.  This season it is continuing with TERRI ANN, a minimalist saddle bag; SARAH,  a shoulder bag with a bridle loop strap and multi -tiered ruffles - just to point out a couple...  There still are several other styles to come...

Jaki Shoulder bag

For the Fall, I would like to go even deeper into Marshy Country, and use the materials, that are traditional for the theme, yet adoptable for my styling...

Some leather types are traditionally more "Country" than others. There is, of course, Suede - a staple for the look; there are heavyweight vegetable tanned leathers, various large grained or distressed hides, High Wax finished and Oil Treated (or Utility) leathers. They all represent the low gloss, humble, often sturdy and rugged, or cozy and elegant look of rural aesthetics. JAKI Shoulder bag (left) is made of Oil Treated leather.

High Wax leather, which I love, has matte, unfinished look and a sense of moisture to the touch. Usually lightweight, very pliable and ages beautifully. This exact Sarah bag (left) is made of Mustard Green garment weight unfinished High Wax. Also, think, gloves, hats, lightweight belts, clothing straps, book covers, etc.





Oil Treated (Utility) leather - is a rare find for me, and I get very excited each time I am able to snag some of it...

Oil Treated leather - Burgundy

It is beautifully matte; sturdy in its nature, yet surprisingly responsive to work with. Moist feeling supple surface, that changes its tone at the fold or stitch lines. This is considered a sign of high quality oil treatment, and this feature is unique and only found in Oil Treated leathers. Ages amazingly, building new character as it goes. Commonly used for bridles, dog leashes, boots, belts, handbags and firearm cases.

Distressed leather - Latte

Distressed leather - even though, come in all weights, I have mostly worked with upholstery. It is strong, drier feeling finished  leather, with unique colouring qualities. The edges of grain come off in paler tones than the rest of the surface, due to special treatment, preventing colour from saturating through.  Distressed hides look like an endless maze of pale webbing, stretched over a field of solid colour.

Very popular for country style interior furnishings, handbags, footwear and saddle decor.

This post sums up my main leather arsenal for this fall - as you know, it will change as the season progresses and will inform you on my upcoming finds. In the next few weeks I will try to deliver the  Pre-Fall 2010 Coming Of Age collection in its entirety, so we could give these patches of leather their new life...

In the case you'd like to know more - **Useful links on leather and leatherwork: **
Tandy Leather Factory

Zack White Leather
Kingsmere Crafts

Leather for the Fall part 2 - Unfinished and Deertanned cowhide

Not all my bags come in the most traditional leather surface finishes. As a true fan of this craft, I have always been trying to seek out the rarer, different types or treatments of leather, and try to work with all of it, within limits, set by my believes.

Because Leather is not a vegan by nature, and therefore, a cruelty free material, I decided to not contribute to the increase of its production, but use up the leftovers instead for my craft. Even though it would perhaps be interesting, I do not work with Wild animal, Exotic, Hair-on-hide, Fur, or NEW leather. I also do not shop charity stores for leather clothing to make my bags from, as only a small portion of the 'recycled' item can be used (usually shell only, making for 30% of entire materials), whilst the rest of it is thrown away (up to 70%).

To continue on my finds for the Pre-Fall 2010 COMING OF AGE Collection, I must admit, my personal favourite is a rare and beautiful Unfinished (otherwise labeled Deertanned) cowhide. It feels velvety to the touch, has deep, matte look, and to some it is reminiscent of deer leather. The matte finish shows its imperfections slightly more than a glossy one, but that is exactly what makes this leather both velvety, robust and, yet, fluid at the same time, with lots of character.

Black Unfinished cowhide

Gold Tan Unfinished cowhide

Saddle Tan Unfinished cowhide

Other types of the touchable Unfinished leather I've found, were both, Upholstery and Garment weights will be great for bags in limited, fun colours... Just as gentle to the touch, and just as fluid to work with....

Azalea

Coffee Brown

More on my bags, pls, visit the web-page : JOLAVDESIGNS.COM

Belts!

I have been pondering, if I were to make a belt - for myself, and others, what would it be.
I wanted something that is true to my No - Hardware - In - Sight taste, so right away I knew, the belt must not have a traditional buckle. I also wanted a belt, which would be timeless and understated, tasteful and really gets the materials its made of, shine!

Then came the idea that it should also fit most wearers, regardless of their size, height, age, and especially would suit many different outfits.

I decided to develop a 3-way fold Wrap Belt. It is easy to wear over any garment, suits all kinds of bodies and does not require punching holes, replacing buckles, and rather supplements your outfit, instead of overwhelming it.

My first Wraps are available in  1" width by 8 Ft length (3 by 244 cm) in Coffee Brown, Navy Blue and Taupe Grey.

More colours coming up soon! Visit my Etsy shop for yours!

Leather for the Fall part 1 - Finished Light (and not just light- ) Upholstery

I have been slowly rolling out the new Pre- Fall 2010 Coming Of Age collection since late spring.

With the weather changing and fall season getting closer, I have compiled the colours and textures of leather, to use for the most of my new Collection. 

It took me a while to come up with a bunch this beautiful, as all the leather you'll see here is cowhide - either overstock, liquidation, orphaned and found or otherwise reclaimed. I learned to be an opportunistic buyer, and just snatch a great hide (or bits and scraps) whenever I see it... And it could be the only one of its kind.... So, inevitably I will run out of either some of the colours, or finishes, and eventually they'll be replaced by new ones, as the season progresses.

The leather will serve to create bags in all my new different styles, requiring different characteristics. These are NOT all the colours I have sourced - these are the best ones!

This post covers the Light Upholstery Earth Tones and Brights.... 

Here's what I found.....

Purple!

Staying true to my seasonless earth tones of Brick, Taupe, Ash, Navy and other neutrals. This fall, the colour perception divides into two sides, with neutrals standing in for one, and brights - for the opposite. Purple is a definite leading jewel tone - and the purple finished leather I found, is just beautiful. Glossy, fluid, captivating...  Also loved the Red, which, to me, speaks of Central European countryside's roofs and fences.

Brick Brown

Taupe Grey

Burnt Red

 
 But my very favourite finds, in fact, are these two: Orange! (I think Orange is great for winter, and I am only hoping I will not be the only one thinking so. It is the strongest 'Pick-me-up' colour for the dreary and rain filled Vancouver landscape..) and Olive - warm, somewhat mysterious, lightly textured and fluid. Can't wait to show you what I come up with, when I tackle these two....

Orange!

Olive Green

 

In the next post I will cover the remaining different types and shades of leather for the Fall: and that is Unfinished, Oil treated, Distressed, Garment weight and others.... Sourcing materials in definitely one of the best parts of what I do....

*for custom orders, pls. visit my web-page, www.jolavdesigns.com *