An In Depth Look at the Randall

The Randall, or as he's known around here - Our Big Boy - is the product of many, many months of refining, rethinking and reworking. We finally got it!
So, let's go back to the beginning when my friend Randy got in touch with me about needing a bag for his laptop. We went over needs, wants, hates and loves and came up with something that he is hopefully still rockin' proud on the streets of Houston.
However, his "Randall" is very different than the one we are offering today. We had to tone down alot of the bells and whistles and refine it a bit, but I think what we ended up with is quite nice.

The exterior we kept really simple, we wanted this to be a bag that could be used ANYWHERE. Men, women, business, school, or whatever your situation. We are offering it in the three current Nikolette colors: Indigo, Chocolate and Rust.

Under the flap is my favorite part. We added a little organizational area on the front of the bag for things you need to access without opening the main zipper compartment. There are two gadget pockets lined in micro suede for phones, iPods, cameras, etc. The micro suede is perfect for touch screen devices. There is a key clasp and two larger pockets for small papers or pens, small notebooks or glasses.

Click to enlarge

On the back of the bag we wanted to keep all the pockets large and flat so that the bag rests comfortably against your body when you wear it. So we have a large pocket on the back good for notebooks, files, papers, things of that nature. An iPad maybe?

Inside we kept it pretty simple, we didn't want to clutter it up too much in there. There's a large open pocket on the back side for tablets or a smaller laptop. I like to use that pocket for magazines or notebooks that tend to get bent and beat up in bags. On the front side is a large zipper pocket for things that need to be kept aside. There is also a pen slip and two larger pockets for laptop cords or anything else you need to secure. And a new feature I hope you'll be pleased to find is an elastic off to the side for a water bottle. I hate when my bottles are loose in a bag. This way they are tucked away nice and neat... and upright!

These are on a made to order status right now, and lead times are looking like early January 2012 for shipping, but you can always email us for a more accurate lead time on a particular color.
Happy holidays everyone!

We Have a Logo!

Isn't she cute?!
We have been working with a graphic designer to (finally!) make a real deal logo for Nikolette. And this is what we got! Why a cat? Well, because Nikolette is named after Miss Niko Jeanette Polka-Dot, my 11-year-old toothless black cat.
So, what's next? I see letterhead, new tags, billboards, logo frisbees... maybe I should slow down here.
We updated Etsy and of course the blog here.
I am looking into embossed vegan tags for the bags now that the logo is a done deal. What fun!
Well, til then, you can enjoy the kitty online.
Thanks to Clint and Kelly for all their hard work!

Limited Edition Clutch

Surprise! We will be making a limited edition heavy weight clutch for sale in our Etsy shop. We will make them until we run out of fabric, so supplies are limited. I have been carrying mine for a while now and LOVE it. Perfect for running errands.
They are $49 with $5 shipping within the US. Here is a peek:

Randall Addition!

Remember that blue Randall I mentioned before? Well, its alive! We added a lovely new color to the Randall family and have a brown one coming up next. So pop on over to Nikolettebags.com to have a peek!

On a musical note, I made my first Spotify playlist recently! I know, I know, I am way behind the rest of the universe on this. I started with this one, with some bands you may recognize:

Sewing List - click to enlarge

I also have one still in creation. It is my Oldies list. Right now it looks like this:

Oldies List - Click to enlarge

More on that as it grows.

The Nikolette crew will be heading to a Thanksgiving getaway for a few days, but we'll be back next week for all kinds of exciting blabbering about things.

Happy Feasting Day!

Margot Tote, Reading Public. Reading Public, Margot Tote.

So, time to learn you a little bit about the bag that kind of started it all, the Margot Tote. Just take a look at the evolution of this bad girl:

The first version was a diaper bag. It was made on a home sewing machine, a 70s model Kenmore, and made of duck canvas with a vinyl lining.

It then turned into this as a tote bag. Gee Whiz, the stitching on that is less than desirable! But hey, thats how we learn! This was also duck canvas, even on the inside.

Then we came here. This version was also a diaper bag and had a vinyl lining. Better stitching here and we added a zipper up there if you can see it.

Then back to a tote. The flap on this one looks huge! This version also had a zipper and was made of duck.

Then I got my industrial sewing machine and was able to really do things I couldn't with my Kenmore. This next generation of Margot was proportioned properly and had that Juki stitching!

Then we played around with a few waxed canvas versions. Trying to get the proportions and pattern JUST so. You'll also notice we ditched the white thread. The brown just looked so much more... sophisticated to me.

And now we get to the Margot of today. Waxed canvas and cordura, this is a killer work, Mom, diaper, lunch, ANYTHING bag.

So, we've cleaned her up a bit. Got rid of all the odd kinks from the previous patterns and went with a two tone color scheme.

Take a look under the hood and you'll find the key clasp and two good sized pockets. The flap doesn't go all the way over the zipper like the others. That interfered with the shoulder straps so we moved the flap to the front of the bag.

And on the back side we got a big ol' pocket for your convenience. Good for a book or notebook that you want to get to easily while sitting on the train or sitting in the waiting room.

The inside - where this bag really shines. First lets start with the large pocket all the way to the left in the above image. This is for your magazines, notebooks, or tablet. I like having those off to the side and out of the way so this compartment was a must. Move a bit to the right and you get to the "gadget" pockets. Good for iPod, cell phone, mints, etc. Just to keep your little things in an easy to find place.
Now lets got all the way to the right in that view and note the zipper pocket. This is a big guy and perfect for all those things you need to be hidden and secure. I always keep cash in a zipper pocket, I'm careful like that. And adjacent to the a fore mentioned zipper pocket is a pen slip and two wide open pockets for bigger things. You'll see in the pictures above we fit a camera, umbrella, water bottle and a baby bottle in those. Which brings me to my advice portion of this post. Possible addition to the Margot: In the new Randall we added an elastic inside for water bottles. I've debated adding one to the Margot but something tells me that may just be too much. What do you think?
I hoped you enjoyed getting to know the Margot and are inspired to organize!
We're tossing ideas around in these parts about a possible December addition to the Etsy store - more on that next time!

Heres and Theres and Everywheres!

First off, isn't Autumn in Portland beautiful?! I used to hate any weather below 75 degrees, but this city is "warming" me up to chillier temps. A spot by the fireplace with a hot cuppa and a cuddle with the dog and the beau... not so bad.
If you couldn't tell by the pic above, we have our first Randall in the shop! It is red, and I am working on a blue one to put up next.

We'll get more in depth next time, but the Randall has a few new features- including micro suede lined cell phone pockets, an interior water bottle elastic, and a giant interior pouch for a laptop, tablet or your books/mags. Lovin' it!

As promised, I am working on a Getting to Know You post for the Margot. This bag kicks my butt. It is the most difficult to make in the line, but it is worth it! If I had a baby, this would no doubt be my diaper bag. When/if I get an iPad or tablet of some kind I may move to one full time (don't tell my current Lucy and Kimball!). I may also ask a bit of advice in that coming post. Get some consumer response!

For those of you new to the world of Nikolette, let me fill you in on a not-so-secret bit of information about our lives. We. Love. Breakfast! It is a weekend tradition to set the alarm and head to one of Portland's MANY breakfast/brunch establishments and throw the diet out the window.* And along the lines of Vegan Bags/ Vegan Living we have been popping into some of the many vegan eateries and PIGGING OUT!

Corn Waffles with raspberry sauce from Paradox Cafe. Big pile of yum.

Pumpkin dipped french toast from Blossoming Lotus. Everything on their menu blew my mind!

The giveaway with Skinned Knees ended this week and a new brown Lucy is off to the winner. Hope you love it, Erika!
So for now, everyone, stay tuned to nikolettebags.com for more Randall offerings and keep your eyes here for more about the Margot! Enjoy your day! (or week, or month, year, decade...)

*We quickly head to the gym to repent for our sins. Thank you WCF!

Musical Distractions

I am a woman of many moods (which I guess could be said about anyone, really). Sometimes I prefer to work in silence and be unaware of the passage of time or the beeps of emails etc. Other times I like to listen to music, have a goofy movie on in the background or talk to the cats.
I thought I might share with you some of the music and other things I like while I am Nikoletting. Enjoy.

First off: Santogold.
This album came out in '08 and I haven't stopped listening since. Every track is as awesome as the last. I almost passed out with pure joy when I learned she has a new album on the way. Highly recommend.

Next: Blouse
I just came across this Portland based band today and listened to a few tracks that I liked so well I thought I would save the rest for this evening when I am taking some bag photos. Think goth meets Stereolab with a little Portishead mixed in there. I know.

My fallback: Ratatat
When I want music but can't think of anything specific I'd like to hear I usually go to the Ratatat Spotify page and just let 'er play. Hours of good listening.

Background Movie: Return of the Living Dead
Anyone who knows me wants me to shut up about this movie. I turned it on just to pass the time while I had an extended stint at the cutting table and I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. The banter is perfect, the zombies talk back and the gore is so 80's. Perfect for tedious work like cutting patterns.

Great Movie: Castaway on the Moon
This one you have to actually sit and watch so you can read the subtitles - but I wanted to throw it in anyway just because it was such a great movie. Dan picked this out for us to watch the other night and it stuck with me. Funny, sad, relatable, and well done. Go watch it!

So I am off to give the Blouse album a proper listen and photograph some bags to post up for you. Hope you will like them!

Let's Talk Kimball

The Kimball. Probably our most popular bag and for good reason - it's practical, people! It's a great day bag size, 12.5" x 8", and has all the pockets you need for running around like a crazy person, the way we all do from time to time.

Lets start with the overall generalities: 

First we have the removable shoulder strap for days when you want to wear it cross body or just over one shoulder. Then there is the top handle for when there is simply no time for a strap or when you want to carry it satchel style. I like the satchel version for when I have it filled with a few paperbacks - makes me feel all scholarly and learned. Glasses are a must for this, as well. Blazer optional. 

Under the flap is two pockets and a key clasp. My favorite method is keys in the one pocket (clasped of course so I can get them whilst my arms are full of grocery bags) and cell phone in the other. That way my phone is safe under the flap, but I can still get to it while the flap is latched.

Turn this bag around and you will find a generous 8" pocket. I tend to keep this pocket empty so that I can use it to throw things in throughout the day - receipt, flyer, gum wrapper, or whatever I may encounter and need to stash. That way it is easy to get cleaned out when I get home.

Now let us move inside. As are all of our new bags, the inside is lined in water tight cordura. This stuff will save your life. Make up melts. Candy is sticky. Bananas get smashed. I cannot tell you the amount of bags I have ruined because I carry food with me at all times. All you have to do is wipe out the inside with a wet rag - done. No more caramel in your cell phone pocket.

Speaking of cell phone pockets, lets go over the compartments you will find in here. On the back side is a zipper pocket and two gadget pockets. Ladies, need I tell you what I use my zipper pocket for? Lets just say its great for things that need not fall out of my bag while I'm paying for coffee. The gadget pockets hold my iPod and a small bottle of lotion. I'm a bit of a moisturizing maniac and feel my lotions deserve their own pockets.

On the front side is a pen slip and a larger open pocket. My wallet lives in this pocket leaving the rest of the bag free for more important things like cookies or a toy laser gun. 

I hope you have enjoyed your Tour de Kimball. You can learn about the Lucy here and we'll dive head first into the Margot in the coming weeks.

Remember to order by 12/1/11 for delivery by Christmas. All clearance items are ready to ship, so you can order those on your whim. 

Until next time! 

Streamlining Your Line

Who knew that cutting the fat in an effort to make things easier on yourself was so exhausting?
We will be up and running with all the new styles at nikolettebags.com first thing in the AM come 11/1/11 and the process has been in the works since early this summer! Here we are Halloween night - handing out candy, writing code and editing photos for the website, Etsy shop, Facebook, blog, and Twitter! The internet is a busy place!
So slide on over and have a look at what we are offering and in the meantime here is a little eye candy for you!

P.S. Stay tuned for an awesome giveaway!! (Thanks to CP!)

Vegan Bags, Vegan... Living?!

As you are all aware by now - Nikolette makes 100% animal free (vegan) bags (unless you count all the critters we have running around the place, but they are just here for petting and cuddling).
However, vegan living has been on and off around here. I was a pretty strict vegetarian for most of my youth. I ate very little veggies though, somehow I survived high school on a diet of sugar and awkwardness. Throughout my 20s I considered myself an omnivore, but I ate about 90% vegetarian. I was never quite comfortable with meat or animal products really. I was always worried that it was bad somehow and I was going to get really sick from it.

(inhabitat.com)

Then I moved from Nashville, TN to New Orleans and guess what happened? I gained about 30 pounds over the years! Southern food is rich and fatty and over all pretty bad for you. The dietary staples are refined carbs, dairy fats and meat. Any veggies are cooked down to a state of pure mush in a vat of grease and salt. Any fruits are covered in sugar, ice cream, and a flaky crust.
I realized a few years ago what I was doing to my body and flipped things around. I got the weight off by eating, well... vegan. I would have cheat days and eat ice cream. Every now and then I would have a small tuna steak. Those days were rare, however, and I realized that when I feel the best is when I've been eating plants.
Not everyone is like me. Some poeple's bodies don't do so well without animal based foods. I'll admit at first I was eating mostly fruit and grain and my hair growth slowed and I was under weight for a while. Dan was kind enough to point out "hey, I never see you eat vegetables." So I looked at my daily intake and, huh, he was right!
Once I added in several veggie dishes to my day, guess what- my hair got crazy long and thick, I was building muscle better at the gym and I filled out my jeans a little better (if ya know what I mean).
So thus began my most recent encounter with vegan living and I feel like I'm missing out on nothing. I've been adding pea protein (just a little) to my frozen fruit smoothies and I eat enough peanut butter to keep Oregon peanut farmers in business for years to come.
Here is a carrot dish I made the other day:

Carrots, spinach, onions, garlic, bell pepper

I feel very lucky to be living in a place like Portland where people don't look at you crazy for eating plants all day and just about every restaurant has vegan options.
I find it healthier for me to look at animal products as a "treat" that I have very occasionally. If I start claiming to be all vegan all the time then guess what, I'm going to mentally beat myself up so badly that I find the nearest cheese shop and eat everything in sight. But if I tell myself I can have it I suddenly don't care and will choose a salad over a pate & cheese tray.
Veganism isn't for everyone, and I have no problem with people who consume animal foods. But for me, I just perform and feel the best on plants. And since my bags are vegan, I felt it appropriate to share this with my customers who may also be in shoes similar to my own. I am also officially opening the gates to recipe sharing! Link some in the comments or on our facebook. We all love food around here and Dan won't go into the kitchen unless he has a recipe in his hands. I'm more of a "throw everything in the kitchen into one pot and see what happens" kind of girl.
Sorry if I babbled a bit today, but food gets me excited. Almost as excited as bags do. And speaking of bags - here's some news. We have set a goal of 11/1/11 to have the new styles listed. We may be shy a few, but most everything will be up and for sale. Also we'll be doing a give away with Skinned Knees who will also be reviewing a new Lucy for you guys. We'll keep you posted.

Getting to Know You: The New Lucy

I thought it would be fun to gradually introduce all the new styles on the blog. And since there is a new style Lucy for sale currently, why don't we start there?
The one that is up in the shop (here) is a color combo we will not be offering, but the styling is all the same.

The exterior of the bag is tan and brown waxed cotton canvas (water resistant!) with satin nickel hardware. This listing has the wrist strap included, but when all the new styles go up we will sell the bag, the wrist strap and an adjustable shoulder strap all separately so you can mix and match. Carry it as a clutch, wristlet, or crossbody/purse style.

Under the flap are two 4" slip pockets. I like to use these for my phone and keys for quick access. Chapstick finds its way in occasionally as well.

You've heard me sing the praises of the rear zipper pocket on the Lucy already, but here it is again. When I carry this bag as a clutch or wristlet I like to toss my phone back here because I like it to be zipped up safely. When I carry it cross body I like to use it for cash or (ahem) lady products - things that need a zipper if you can smell what I'm cookin'.

The inside is lined in a very pretty gray/blue water tight cordura. This stuff is amazing, you can just wipe it clean with a wet rag - great news for messy people like me. I also like that the entire interior becomes a little water proof shield in case you get splashed etc. Or if you have something (like a camera or phone) that needs to be separate from something else in the bag (a cupcake you shoved in there for after lunch) you can keep it in one of the pockets nice and safe.

And thats me with the red version of the bag (for scale). That was a fun day - we went to an antique car show and also to the farmers' market. That Lucy did me well all the day through!

I hope you enjoyed meeting the new Lucy. As other styles get closer to the finish line we'll be sure to bring them around as well. Til then... !