Atlanta - December 14, 2009

Just Throw It in the Bag

Mel Boteri Handbags

You’ve tucked enough talk under your bonnet, tricks up your sleeve, and dirt under the rug to last a lifetime.

Save the good stuff for a Mel Boteri handbag.

New local designer (and former Zac Posen marketing and business intern) Melanie Mueller is letting online shoppers take a turn at design. Ten silhouettes (from thin, enveloped hip slingers to structured doctor bags) and dozens of Italian skins and patents make for countless possibilities.

Mueller welcomes first-time customers to her Tower Place showroom for consultations about custom touches. Shoulder straps (gold chain, electric blue patent) are measured to flatter your height. Extra pockets, interior monograms, and limited-run leathers add pizazz.

Feel free to let the secret out.

Though it’s entirely yours to keep.

Mel Boteri, 3340 Peachtree Road, Tower Place, building 100, eighteenth floor (404-259-9196 or melboteri.com). Trunk show, Thursday, 5-8 p.m., at Hagedorn Foundation Gallery, 425 Peachtree Hills Avenue, suite 25, Buckhead (404-492-7718).

Photo: Courtesy of Mel Boteri