{Giveaway} A festive bag by Betty Audish

Betty Audish is giving away two of her “quintessential holiday” handbags–a bronze, leather clutch and a gold evening bag with a bow. Enter to win by answering in the comments below: Are you the kinda gal who thinks wearing bows is a go–or a “no?”

In 2001, fashion buyer Betty Audish’s mother passed away. The event made Betty realize just how precious life is, and she decided she couldn’t waste any more time before tackling her lifelong dream–designing her own handbag line. That year, Betty Audish handbags was born.

The first bags in her collection were luncheon-style, in honor of her mother. “My mom was very classic and carried small luncheon bags like the ones in Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” says Betty. “She always had trouble finding them, which made me realize there was a real whole in the market.”

Since then, Betty’s line has expanded to bags of all styles–day bags, totes, evening bags and clutches. In 2006 she introduced bags made with exotic skins–now her bestsellers. “Python is the new black,” says Betty, who manufactures bags in 19 colors of python and 13 colors of crocodile.

Betty’s warehouse and company headquarters is in Pearland, Texas, but her bags are sold in high-end specialty stores across the country. Betty’s bags were recently feature in Houston magazine and chosen as the “Item of the Day” in  Accessories Magazine who called them “timeless pull-it-out-in-10-years-and-it’s-still-as-amazing bags.”

To find a retailer of Betty Audish bags in your area or order one of the bags featured above (ships nationwide) call: 281-300-3202.


Enter to win one of two leather bags by
Betty Audish by answering in the comments below: Are you the kinda gal who thinks wearing bows is a go–or a “no?”

Thank you for entering. This contest is now closed.

Two FOFs will win.(See all our past winners, here.) (See official rules, here.) Contest closes December 29, 2011 at midnight E.S.T.

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{Giveaway} Ame and Lulu City Tote

FOF is giving away the “City Tote” by Ame and Lulu. To enter, answer this question in the comments below: What’s the most you’d spend on a handbag?

Thank you for entering. This contest is now closed.


“Every decade bags are getting bigger because we have more stuff to carry,” says handbag expert FOF Deborah Chase, author of Terms of Adornment, (See: the evolution of handbags slideshow). Deb’s prediction for the future of handbags? “They wont be as heavy! They’ll be made from lighter materials and feature less hardware.” If Deb’s prediction is correct — then, we may have found the handbag of the future. The “City Tote” by Ame and Lulu is roomy enough to fit a day’s necessities including a laptop, wallet and more, but has minimal hardware and is made of lightweight canvas. We like the preppy patterns a colors–perfect for an FOF lady who lunches, golfs, plays tennis…you get the idea.

The City Tote comes in four unique patterns — the winner can choose her favorite.

More details about the Ame and Lulu City Tote you could win:

  • $86 value
  • Made of a water-repellent canvas
  • Braided faux-leather straps
  • Interior pocket keeps all of your essentials conveniently at hand.
  • 17″L X 12.5″H x 5.5″D.
  • Comes in four different patterns.

Enter to win a a functional yet fashionable “City Tote” by Ame and Lulu. Comment below and answer: What’s the most you’d spend on a handbag?

(See all our past winners. See official rules. One winners is chosen at random from all those commenters who answer the question. Contest closes September 15, 2011.)

{History} History of Handbags

Your handbag is a harbinger. According to FOF Deborah Chase, author of Terms of Adornment (Harper Collins) and creator of the No Nonsense Beauty blog, handbag styles arise as a response to women’s changing role in society. “We love our bags for what they look like,” says Deborah. “But styles emerge and endure because there is a reason for them.” So, no, you’re not imagining that designers are putting out larger purses every year. “Every decade bags are getting bigger because we have more stuff to carry,” says Deborah. Take a look at the evolution of handbags from 1800 to modern day. My, have our handbags grown….

(Meet Deb at Beauty Bash, Oct. 1 and 2nd!)

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