(ContentDesk) June 16, 2004 -- It's not often that something plain and, by all cultural definitions, masculine is transformed into a beautiful fashion accessory.But that is the concept behind a new business started in Granada Hills, CA. Lisa Cody, founder and principle designer of The Cigar Box Diva is forging her way into the fashion accessory business.As one might guess by the name, these are no ordinary handbags; they are "cigar box purses", a fashion trend that has caught on in many parts of the country.The idea is simple. Take an empty cigar box and decorate it with fabric, ribbons, beads and photographs. Add decorative hardware like bamboo handles, brass latches and coordinating fabric lining and you've got yourself a handbag. Simple right? Not quite.
"There's a difference between crafting and designing" Cody stresses. "I put much more thought into my purses than many others on the market. Quality craftsmanship is the key. I love creating my purses and it shows in the craftsmanship and attention to detail."Cody began designing cigar box purses after seeing a purse a friend had purchased. "I liked the concept, but I thought the original beauty of the cigar box was overshadowed by that designer's embellishments so I set out to create my own ? one that would highlight the beauty of the original box, not compete with it."The purses, made from wood or paper covered wood are lined with a coordinating fabric and include a vanity mirror for quick touch ups.
Prices range from $90 - $150 based primarily on the rarity of the box and the design concept. "Each purse is unique - one-of-a-kind." Cody says. "Even if I use the same concept over again it still unique in that the design is modified to suit the cigar box it's embellishing."She also does custom cigar box purses. Getting married? Love motorcycles or English Bulldogs? Cody will design a purse specifically for you. "Just tell me what you want and I will create it" says Cody.Although Cody's business to date has been based largely on word of mouth, she has just recently launched her website, http://www.cigarboxdiva.com and is working towards getting her purses carried in some area boutiques.
"I want to find shops as unique as my purses." she says.The cigar box purse is not the purse to carry if you don't want to stand out in the crowd. "No matter where I go, I'm asked about my purse." Cody says. "They can be an awesome ice breaker too. Men tend to be intrigued by the concept of the cigar box purse which in turn piques their curiosity about the woman carrying the purse. It's the perfect accessory for the single girl." she adds with a smile..
Givony – Israel’s 20 Years Old Leather Fashion House Goes on eBay
Tel Aviv, ISrael (ContentDesk) January 18, 2006 -- Givony is the Israeli fashion house for unique leather goods. The brand has been famous in the holy land for over 20 years, and it owns the reputation of high quality and luxury. The brand is famous all over Israel, and very popular among Israelis. Recently, the Givony fashion house has begun selling its products abroad using the worlds online marketplace, eBay. Because of eBays popularity and large exposure in Europe and in North America, the fashion house decided that it is the best method to go international.We believe in our products and in our brand, and if for two decades it has been so popular in Israel, there is no reason not to succeed all over the world.
Our products evolve and change along with the progress of technology, and therefore we figured that using eBay, which we believe is progress itself in online commerce, is the best method for us.Amongst the givony leather products we can find mens wallets, womens...
Givony – Israel’s 20 Years Old Leather Fashion House Goes on eBay
Galleria of Cigar Box Art
(ContentDesk) July 2, 2004 -- Artistic women and men across the country and around the world have discovered a new way to showcase their talents - the "Cigar Box Purse."
These one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art are considered by many, to be treasured finds and valuable collectibles.Many of these cigar box fashionistas are regular members of a Yahoo Group dedicated to the design and creation of cigar box purses.
The group consists of artists from across the US and other countries, who share their designs, resources, and ideas, so that each artisan can make the most of their unique talents, particularly in their own communities.The Galleria of Cigar Box Art is the brain-child of Marlene Wong-Doutaz, owner and principal designer of Mushu Treasures (http://mushutreasures.com) and was created to give independent artisans the opportunity to display their work, on both a local and national level.
If a customer...
Is your Authentic Designer Handbag really Authentic?
So, you have just bought a new designer handbag.
Maybe you have had your eye on a Christian Dior Saddle Handbag, or
Gucci Jackie-O that you know your friends will drool over .
You got a huge discount off of the hefty
retail price and you're feeling pretty good about yourself.
But know you are wondering- is my designer handbag authentic.Determining the authenticity on any product can be a little tricky, but if you know the basics, you will be able to spot a fake in just a few seconds.
One of the best ways to ensure your new handbag is authentic is to look
at the bag itself.
Designer handbags are popular and cost as much as they due because first and for-most they are made from quality materials.
Take a good look at the stitching.
There should be no loose or missing stitches, the color of the thread should match the main color of the bag and the stitches should be evenly spaced.
If the handbag...
Is your Authentic Designer Handbag really Authentic?
So, you have just bought a new designer handbag.
Maybe you have had your eye on a Christian Dior Saddle Handbag, or
Gucci Jackie-O that you know your friends will drool over .
You got a huge discount off of the hefty
retail price and you're feeling pretty good about yourself.
But know you are wondering- is my designer handbag authentic.Determining the authenticity on any product can be a little tricky, but if you know the basics, you will be able to spot a fake in just a few seconds.
One of the best ways to ensure your new handbag is authentic is to look
at the bag itself.
Designer handbags are popular and cost as much as they due because first and for-most they are made from quality materials.
Take a good look at the stitching.
There should be no loose or missing stitches, the color of the thread should match the main color of the bag and the stitches should be evenly spaced.
If the handbag...
When Is A Cigar Box Not Just A Cigar Box? fruit baskets 
Top tattoo designs for women...
Hi all- I have ntoiced recently a growing trend in tattoos that seems to be growing with out end. That is tattoos for women. Traditional getting a tattoo was a big machot hing but for a while now women have been choosing to get tattoos also. In fact I did some research on the internet and on my own site Design My Tattoos and have noticed that the following tattoos seem to be among the most popular tats for women to get. 1.
Shooting Star Tattoos 2. Butterfly Tattoos 3. Unicorn Tattoos 4...
Top tattoo designs for women... When Is A Cigar Box Not Just A Cigar Box?
Disaster Relief: Programs Offering Help for Hurricane Victims
In the aftermath of Hurricane Charley, Hurricane Frances, Hurricane Ivan and Hurricane Jeanne, many residents are struggling to pick up the pieces and get their lives back to normal. As residents survey the damage done to their homes, cars and personal belongings, the prospect of repairing and rebuilding their lives can be overwhelming. As of this week, The Tampa Bay Business Journal states that financial analysts are estimating a total of $21 to $28 billion dollars in insured damage.* Local,...
home loans Disaster Relief: Programs Offering Help for Hurricane Victims When Is A Cigar Box Not Just A Cigar Box?
History of Jamaican Coffee
The history of Jamaican coffee begins half a world away in France in 1723 when King Louis XV sent three coffee plants to the French colony of Martinique, some 1200 miles to the SW of Jamaica. Five years later in 1728 the governor of Jamaica, Sir Nicholas Lawes, received one coffee plant as a gift from the Governor of Martinique. The plant took root with vigor and only nine years later, in 1737, coffee exportation began with an initial shipment of 83,000 lbs. The Jamaican coffee industry was born....
History of Jamaican Coffee
Did You Mount Your Cold Weather Tires Yet?
(NC)?Every year there is this dilemma: should you mount winter tires or should you stay with your all season tires? We always question is it going to snow a lot or is it just going to be cold and will our all- season tires be good enough. Well here is some news for you, winter tires are not only designed to work better in snow, slush and ice but also when it simply gets cold.Bruce Bridgman, National Marketing Manager Toyo Tire Canada Inc. says that among other things the tire's tread rubber needs...
Did You Mount Your Cold Weather Tires Yet?