Talkative Tote Bags From Jessica Kagan Cushman

The daughter of renowned furniture designer Vladimir Kagan, Jessica Kagan Cushman, was initially introduced into the fashion jewelry realm with her popular engraved fossilized mammoth ivory and resin word bangles. Now she's expanded her line of whimsical and wearable creations to include clever tote bags that have just as much to say.

Her cotton canvas totes (Statement Totes) and coated canvas totes with patent trim (JKC Logo bags) play off of popular cultural phrases, text phrases, and take not so subtle knocks at expensive designer handbags in their phrases and /or design. Ironically, though, these aren't cheap.

The cotton canvas tote bags come in two sizes, the smaller is $45.00, the larger $70.00:

My other bag is Prada:

My other bag is Fendi:

My other bag is Hermes:

My other bag is Louis Vuitton:

Does this bag make me look fat?:

This bag makes me look rich and skinny:


The coated canvas bags with patent trim (JKC logo totes) are much pricier starting at $130.00 and up to $325.00:

WTF (what the fuck):

OMG (Oh My God):

LOL (laugh out loud):

Morsus Mihi (Bite me):

Chocolate or death:

Keep calm and carry on:


Never, never, never give up.:


She also has a series of clutch purses in real snakeskin (hot pink, red, black, gold, silver or python) that feature reproduction scrimshaw drawings that strongly resemble Fornasetti images or with plaques whose options include: Wasp, "Bitch", "Bite Me" and "If you can read this you're too close"


There's plenty more to see at her site.


>shop for her totes as well as her bangles and clutches here.

Say It With Jewelry. Heather Belle's Post-It Bracelets.

I ordinarily don't blog about gold-plated jewelry, since, personally, I'm a bit of a jewelry snob. However, these fun "Post-It" bracelets by Heather Belle Co. would make great stocking stuffers.

The collection consists of 6 different words (be nice, help, listen, smile, stop, and why?) embossed on a matte gold-plated hexagon which is strung on dyed leather. There's a cuff and multi charm bracelet as well.



The individual bracelets sell for $65.00 a piece but she also offers them as a trio or a complete set of the six for a discount.








And the cuff, also 14k gold-plated on leather, sells for $225.00:

And for $275.00 you can get the gold-plated Post-It Chic bracelet:



In Heather's own words:
Family, humor, provocative thoughts, classic style and human expression are just a few of the ingredients that I use to push myself to reach beyond the obvious. I admire anyone who can reframe current thinking and create something new.

Pablo Picasso is one of those people. He once said, “Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth.” This idea resonated with me and inspires me to see “art and truth” in different aspects of life, including fashion and accessories.

My love of design sparked the desire to create h.belle. I’m excited about the launch of this collection, titled “Post – it”. Why Post-it? Because I live a “post-it” life. It must be genetic because my brother has “call mom” tattooed on his hand. I’m actually scared of needles, but, like him, I’ve always needed daily reminders to keep me on track and get me through the day.

above collage by Heather Belle

Originally influenced by Ed Ruscha, I started painting my reminders a while back, such as the one I named Breathe (remembering to breathe, although obvious to most, is tricky for me). I can’t carry my paintings with me everyday. They’re far too heavy and not the most fashionable accessory strapped to my back and paper post-its aren’t much sexier. Well, maybe two of them used as a bikini top, but then they would get wet and it would quickly turn X-rated.

My childhood values add to the mix. Simply helping myself is not what ultimately does it for me. It’s that rare mix of impacting the world, changing someone’s day for the better, creating something beautiful and connecting to our humanness that motivates me. So, it’s with pride (and a little fear) that I present to you h.belle by Heather Belle.

I hope it inspires in you in ways I can’t imagine and makes you smile.

All the best, Heather Belle

Shop for Heather Belle jewelry and other items here.

Bracelets That Blab. Words Worn On Your Wrist.

Bangle Bracelets that have something to say, literally and figuratively - seem to be all the rage this spring.

Selling out at lightning speed ever since a mention in the New York Times, are Jessica Kagan Cushman's carved resin bracelets, a more affordable (and more politically correct) version of her Ice Age Mammoth Ivory Tusk Carved Bracelets. See below:


Above: Jessica Kagan Cushman's Bangles for $125 each. Available from Ravinstyle




Above: Not to be outdone, is designer powerhouse Chanel with their resin carved bangles spouting phrases and words about design, style and luxury.




Another, less pricey option at 39$ are Janna Conner's decoupage bangles, also available at Ravinstyle

Always witty and graphic, is the fabulousSonia Rykiel and her ivory and black resin bangels. $150.00 a piece. Available at Sonia Rykiel, NYC and Boston.



So, arm yourself this spring with the fashion accessory that does the talking for you.