Take heed of the sign at Too Purse ’n’ All: Life’s too short to carry an ugly purse. Your bag has to fit your body comfortably and be stylish, affordable and a reflection of you. As always, Rockford Woman has done the legwork (shoulder work?) for you.

Roxy Carmichael
310 N. Alpine Road, Rockford, 815-316-7396, roxycarmichael.com

AMY J. CORRENTI | ROCKFORDWOMAN.COM
Life’s too short to carry an ugly purse.

Cute, clever and with a conscience, the purses from Nahuiollin.com are also fun and functional. Nahuiollin, the original candy wrapper designer, states their products are “made with candy wrappers and mucho amor.” Each purse is made by a single craftsman in one to four days, and with 150 to 400 candy wrappers. Lots of colors and styles (wallets, clutches and purses are $30 to $185) to choose from. In a word, sweet!

Also a great find — literally — are Finders Keepers keyrings. Instead of digging to find your keys at the bottom of your purse, hook the clasp of this key ring right onto your bag. The keys are secure inside your purse, but you don’t have to search for them now. Designs are fun, beautiful and funky. Works on briefcases, backpacks and pockets, too. ($16)

Anderson Gardens
318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, 815-229-9390, andersongardens.org

Looking for something light, comfortable and exotic? Saraye purses, the original Tatami style handbag, are stunning. They are made in Cambodia from tall grasses along the river delta that are cut and dried, and the stalks are hand-dyed and woven into unique creations. There are many styles and sizes to choose from, with interior zipper pouches and cell phone pockets. ($12 to $44)

AMY J. CORRENTI | ROCKFORDWOMAN.COM

Crimson Ridge
735 N. Perryville Road, Rockford, 815-399-9000, thecrimsonridge.com

The brothers behind the Life is Good products have ventured into the world of totes, and life is indeed good when you have a tote you love. Simple, practical and inexpensive are also hallmarks of the good life. Choose from the big, blue canvas bag with trademark sunburst ($35), small red snowflake tote ($30), laptop sleeves ($25) or warm, fleecy scarves, hats and mittens ($25 each).

Too Purse 'n' All
Moved to Illinois 173 in Machesney Park next to Buffalo Wild Wings on Oct. 30, 815-977-4076, toopursenall.com

Celebs and teens think bigger is better when it comes to bags. “Love big — live Buddha” is the tag line of Big Buddha bags ($89). Oversized to hold all your favorite things and bedecked with big silver buckles and chainy straps, go for the glitz.
Try the glittered metallic black canvas bag or shiny patent in red, black, brown or gray.

Or, play it safer with seat-belt inspired purses from Comely. Shiny strips of colored seat belt fabric are woven into purses of all styles and color combinations. Models include wallets ($21), wristlets ($23) and bags ($52). Also, get designer-inspired bags at a reasonable price. A big Gucci-inspired, red-and-zebra-print bag with a bit of sparkle is $59.
 

AMY J. CORRENTI | ROCKFORDWOMAN.COM

Toteology
Available at Rockford Art Museum gift shop, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, 815-968-2787; 815-871-0229, toteology.com

When sisters Rebecca and Cassi Steurer couldn’t find a tote that was exactly what they needed, they designed and sewed their own. That creative spark has launched a home business that is 2 years old and growing strong.

“We’ve surprised ourselves at how well toteology has been received and how much we enjoy it,” Cassi says. The business is a multigenerational family affair: Cassi enlists the sewing expertise of her mom, Mary, and 86-year-old grandma, Helen.

“We have seven different designs (from beach bags to diaper bags to city girl commuter bags) and many, many different fabric choices. Home parties are a blast. Each guest designs her own bag by choosing her fabric and pattern, and we personally make each tote in a turnaround time of about four to six weeks.”

The slim April style is $40, and the sturdy Bella is $120.