NW SOURCE FEATURES EMILIE SLOAN
Grocery bags go glam with the help of local seamstress Lisa Murphy
April 3, 2009
By Alison Brownrigg, NWsource shopping columnist.
In addition to being eco-friendly, reusable shopping bags offer an opportunity to accessorize with
flair. Why carry a plain canvas bag when you can sport a chic tote with a
bright, sunny pattern that makes you feel happy? If you're with me on that,
you'll love practical, durable, adorable Emilie Sloan bags, created by busy
mom, real estate agent and lifelong seamstress Lisa Murphy.
Believing that the reusable bags already on the market lacked important design details such as zippered
pockets and a key clasp, Murphy started making bags in her sewing room. When
other women began asking where they could get one, Murphy knew she
was on to something. She combined her two daughters' names, and Emilie Sloan was
born.
Last August, local manufacturer Madison Park Greetings became Murphy's
distribution partner. Additionally, their in-house design team developed fabulous floral fabric
patterns for her bags, which are made from specially laminated cotton that is
nontoxic and phthalate-free. Phthalates are often added to plastics for
flexibility, but are potentially harmful to humans. The bags are rainproof, but
not shiny, which makes them attractive to carry as everyday handbags.
The line features traditional shopping-bag silhouettes like the Isabelle Shopper Tote ($47) and the
Juliette Market Tote ($42); the Gracie ID Coinlet ($11), a convenient
wallet and key ring; the Payton Wristlet ($20.50); and the Sophie
Everyday Tote ($64), which features multiple interior pockets and is
large enough for a 15-inch laptop.
The bags are available online, and locally
at City Kitchens,
Molbak's
and Fresh. They come
in six different fabrics: a chic jacquard in Cranberry, Icy Blue and Silver Stone;
Kiwi, a vibrant green-and-pink floral; Raspberry, a demure tonal floral; and
blue Sea Glass with bold pink blooms and green leaves.
While Murphy acknowledges that she started a business right when the economy started to tank, she says shop
owners have responded positively to her line. "Emilie Sloan bags are a
good solution for boutique owners who are looking for great-looking bags that
retail for under $70."
<< Previous Page
| 
