Mixin' It Up

Not since my 5 year-old hands found 2 matching monkeys on Garanimals tags have I been so ecstatic about the prospect of mixing and matching my fashion!

French designer Francois Renier has developed a concept that not only gets hot little hands clutching a great bag, but also allows them to mix and match. His company, called un jour, un sac, has separated the handbag from the handle – allowing you to put together the combination that best suits your style. Switch out the handles…swap out the bag…and conceive every possible combination to go with each of your looks! I know, I know it sounds like a fairy tale – but I swear on my vintage Gucci that this is not fiction!

The bags come in all shapes, sizes and colors. You can choose from structured or soft leather to tweed or canvas fabrics. The designs range from sophisticated leather handbags to whimsical beach-inspired totes.

The handles, made of leather, croc and even PVC, come in an array of colors and easily clip and unclip to your bag of choice.

Un jour, un sac has turned handbag shopping into a creative game, filled with endless possibilities. You are now shopper, designer and stylist! Transform your black office bag with the “business” brown handle to a flirty, after-work purse complete with fire engine red straps – a perfect compliment to that red pout and those sexy red slingbacks!

Now that you’re dreaming of all the damage you can do with these bags, listen up, because getting these bags takes a little more effort than a click on a website. (But believe me, it’s worth it!) While Renier sells his bags all over the globe, they are only available in one place in the U.S. Chicago has Oprah, the Cubs and now, these bags – at a boutique called Fabrice Chicago.

Now don’t despair - a friend of mine who lives in Florida is addicted to these bags and she contacts the store through its website (www.fabricechicago.com) when searching for the newest styles! For you first-timers, I suggest checking out all the possibilities first at www.unjourunsac.com. Seriously, it’s more fun than a barrel of Garanimal monkeys – and a heck of a lot more fashionable!

- Christine Cipriani