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Polka Dots!

In the midst of Christmas shopping for the family, I have, admittedly, been doing a teeny bit of shopping for myself.  You know, just in case those boys of mine forget to shop.

I happened upon Milkhaus Designs via Handmade Chicago (I think?) and kept going back to the Etsy shop to stare at the bags there.  The Polka Dot Weekender Tote was calling me name.  Really.  Being a pattern afficionado (duh!), you might think that the humble polka dot is too blah-blah boring for me.  But you’d wrong.  In my book, polka dots are great neutral pattern to pair with all kinds of other patterns.  And Milkhaus is based in my home state of Wisconsin so a purchase would be like supporting a relative.  Kind of.  (You’ve probably guessed by now that I bought the bag?)

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The box arrived and there was that moment of worry:  “Will it live up to expectations?  Will the color be gross instead of the pretty ginger color above?  Will it be poorly made, like if I decided to start sewing bags tomorrow?”  Answers: Yes! No! No!  The bag is well made, beautifully lined, and has great leather handles that feel hefty and totally anchored to the bag.  SO HAPPY.

Here are a couple more things I’ve got my eye on:

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This zip pouch: for sundries I keep inside my fabulous new tote, of course!

 

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This clutch: for a night out, when I don’t have kids with me and want to upgrade from suburban mom to upgraded suburban mom.

The bag came wrapped in charcoal tissue paper, closed with matte gold striped washi tape, topped off with a handwritten note of gratitude from Milkhaus owner Bethany.  Swoon!

All images via Milkhaus Designs Etsy Shop.