San Francisco - March 24, 2005

The Name Game

N.A.N. Handbags

Every girlie clique should have a hippie chick, a prepster, a party animal, and an always-prepared girl scout.

As it turns out, that’s not a bad way to organize a collection of handbags.

Designer Nancy A. Nodelman of N.A.N. Handbags named each of her designs after one of her daughter’s friends, and their personalities shine through. Molly is a suede shoulder bag draped in fringe and available in a rainbow of colors — perfect for every bohemian. Hilary is a conservative hobo made of pink, blue, or poppy suede, and it’s country club apropos. Joanne is a slouchy bag of Italian lamb skin in metallic silver or gold — just the thing for a night out on the town. You can carry your every lifeline in Taylor, a sturdy, two-tone lamb skin tote.

They all have thoughtful touches, like contrasting interior lining and a place for your trusty cell phone. So they’re beautiful both inside and out.

You can’t say that about every pack of girls.

Available at Bettina, 3654 Sacramento Street, between Spruce and Locust Streets (415-563-8002).