You'll be hooked!

Please join us for our next INTRO art show, Get Hooked, at our Melrose store featuring the art of Katie Schutte and the release of her "Hooked" tote. She's flying in from Ohio with her family just for the occasion. 

Katie's talents are so diverse, from jewelry making and metal smithing to enamel, ceramics and crochet. I can't imagine what she will create for her show. 

The event is at our Melrose store/gallery on Friday March 5th 7pm-9pm.

Can't make the show? The "Hooked" Tote will also be available online starting Saturday March 6th. but quantities are extremely limited so don't snooze.

LTD editions

It's been over a year since we've had any new LTD edition bags and I'm often asked when we're coming out with another one. Well, on March 20th from 10am to 1pm we're having a big release party at our Santa Ana store with 2 all-new LTD edition bags. The first numbered 1-25 will come with a FREE exclusive themed duster bag but you must be present. Should be a lot of fun. I hope to see you there.

Over the years we've had a lot of LTD editions with some fun names and colors. I get lots of questions about LTD editions so I thought I'd come up with a list of...

Things you should know about LTD editions:

*   LTD edition bags were first sold in 2004

*   Each bag comes with unique Themed lining

*   Each hang-tag is hand stamped with a unique LTD icon.

*   Each bag has a numbered label #? of 250 with the exception of the first 4 that only had 200.
*   If it doesn't have a numbered label it's not a LTD edition.

*   Once a LTD edition bag is sold out it's gone forever. We may bring back a similar version but it's never exactly like the original.

*   We've heard of people selling their LTD bags on ebay for more than 5 times what they originally paid.

*   LTD bags typically come in the Medium tote size but on a few occasions we have done them in the Large tote size

*   There have been 2 LTD edition bags for a charity: MADD and Wahoos

*   SID's "Sailors Angel" was the only artist LTD edition and it was a Carriage large satchel.

*   Paint by numbers was our most popular LTD edition bag of all time.
*   LTD edition events hosted at our stores will usually have the bags numbered 1-10.
*   We've had more than 30 different LTD edition bags.


If you have a collection of LTD edition bags I'd love to hear about it or maybe see a picture just drop me an email to dana@seatbeltbags.com. I'd love to use your story/ picture for the blog.

Happy 1st Birthday Melrose!

It's hard to believe it's been one whole year since our grand opening at our Melrose store in Los Angeles.

What you may not know is it also doubles as an art gallery and this past year we've hosted some pretty fun art openings. 

It's also surrounded by some really amazing shops like Tarina Tarantino, Johnny Cupcakes, Tokidoki, Agent Provocateur, Paul Frank, Kidrobot, Fred Segal...the list goes on and on.

So if you want to make a day of it, come visit our Melrose crew, check out some great art and browse the hip neighboring boutiques. The address is 7955 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA.
If you have any questions about upcomming shows, directions or just want to chat give Chris a call (323) 789-9000
Be sure to catch our next art show opening at Melrose on March 5th from 7pm-9pm featuring works by Katie Schutte winner of our INTRO competition.

ALL ABOARD!

The Bon Voyage Rope-Tote is sure to be a timeless classic. Inspired by the Great Cruise ships of the 1930's. We wanted to capture that nautical spirit with rope handles, leather accents and gold hardware. Don't miss the boat on this one, it's only available for a short time in 2 sizes: Medium (pictured) $128 and Large $148. Shop Now seatbeltbags.com

Come on in to one of our retail stores and check them out in person

It's What's Inside that Counts

First I want to say how much fun I had with this contest. It was great to see all the different HARVEYS bags and how each one took on the personality of their owner.

I had over a hundred entries and enjoyed looking at and responding to each and every one but let me tell you, it was darn near impossible to pick just 5. You are all winners in my eyes (I know it sounds cheesy). 

So as impossible as it was, here are the TOP 5 that will each receive a HARVEYS coin purse and lanyard.

Jenn Bruto: sweetest accessories

Kelly J. Barker: Most Charitable

Kristi Waski: Most Artistic

Dee Thackeray: Best Matching Background (she made the patchwork quilt)

Dixie Tisha Switzer: Best Matching Pet

Here are 20 runner-ups that deserve an honorable mention.

Kylie Ingram: Most HARVEYS accessories (5)

Annaliese G: Most Studious (she's a college student)

Alex Fedie: Most Colorful accessories

Melody Raguini: Most Tree-cycled

Tenley Kolzow:  Most Bobby Pins

Lauren Hatz: Most unique bag (custom painted)

Samantha Garner: Blackest

Anna Woith: Most interesting electronic device (car stereo)

Jeanne Larson: Most Color Co-ordinated and Most gift/credit cards

Eileen Engebretson: Most Kitty Co-ordinated

Lisa Chen: Whitest Carpet

Hui Ling Lai: Most Crafty (makes jewelry)

Jenny: Most Designer Brands

Kelly: Most gum and Most Lip gloss... Most Kissable 

Jodi Bartling: Cutest Kid Pics

Sara Q: Most environmentally conscious 

Linda Hendricks: Best Bag Accessory 

Julia Marquis: Most Educational (she's an elementary school teacher)

Mary Xiong: Strangest Item (pomegranate)

Most Stuff in the Smallest bag (Paint by numbers mini-convertible tote)

Vintage Valentine's

I'm a sucker for kitschy old stuff, even greeting cards. Thought I'd share a few Vintage Valentine's.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Real Simple

Last Month our woven makeup bag got a mention in one of my favorite magazines, Real Simple. I've been seeing a lot of these in everyones pics of what's in your bags.

"What's in your bag"-update

Thank you so much to everyone that has sent in pictures of what's in your bag. I'm having a ball seeing all the different bags and accessories that come in and the fun stuff inside. I've been sharing the pictures with everyone at HARVEYS and My little girls, Marilyn (4) and Lily Rose (2) were feeling a little left out so they asked If I could take pictures of what's in their bags. Thought I'd share them with you.

Inside Marilyn's Pink Mini-collection large satchel from top left: Real digital camera (quite the aspiring photographer), assorted makeup brushes, bagel shaped face powder, scrunchies, Little Mermaid jewelry, Hello Kitty mirror, Sunglasses, crocheted doll, "happy meal" High School Musical bracelet, lots of beads and her HARVEYS cards.

Inside Lily's Black Mini Collection Large Satchel: Just a few of her favorite toys.

It's still not too late to send in a picture of what's in your bag. I'll be posting the winners next week but I think I'm going to have more than 5. It's too hard to choose cause they're all so cool.

Pat Yourself on the back

I just wanted to give you a quick update. We are so proud to announce that thanks to you-all we were able to raise $22,725 from sales of the "Get Checked" Bag which went directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Thank you sooooo much for making this long-awaited dream a success. I would like to also personally thank Malia from HARVEYS along with some very persistent customers (you know who you are) for raising our awareness to this great cause and for the entire HARVEYS team for making it all happen. This will surely make a difference.

The gals at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Robbie Franklin and President Myra Biblowit, would also like to thank everyone and send a reminder that early detection is the best defense. So please...

GET CHECKED TODAY!

Inside Story

My wife Melanie absolutely loves her new Large Madison Carry-all. She's been testing it out for a few months now and I'm amazed at how much stuff she crams into it. Melanie played a big part in the design and insisted that we put tons of pockets and compartments to accommodate her busy lifestyle as Mom/ Handbag designer. I thought you might like to take a look at everything she fits in hers.

Melanie lists her contents starting from top left: HARVEYS pink Diaper-Pack for my 2 year old Lily Rose, Hand sanitizer, iphone, Kate Spade Sunglasses, Keys on HARVEYS lanyard, Hello Kitty camera case, Jesus Saves zip pouch where I keep my business cards (when I spot someone with their HARVEYS bag I give them a card for a special discount on their next purchase), My blue tooth, Latest issue of Bazaar, My 2010 calendar, Bic pen, MAC lip gloss, MAC lipstick, Barbie face powder by Stila (They actually have an entire line of Barbie inspired make-up...Love it) and last but not least HARVEYS black clutch wallet.

I'd love to see what's in your HARVEYS bag. Send a picture like the one above to dana@seatbeltbags.com. In 1 week I'll post the top 5 right here on the blog and they'll each receive a HARVEYS lanyard and coin purse.

Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine

Lola got a mention in this month's issue of "Pregnancy and Newborn"magazine