Boston - May 13, 2005

Pickup Artists

Devinemac Bags

It’s like crabby Aunt Betty always preached: Art degrees are useless in the real world. Expensive pieces of paper representing four years of bong hits and inapplicable creativity.

But try telling that to Bridget Devine and Toni MacDonald-Fein, who used their years at art school to A) become fast friends and B) fine-tune their cravings for individuality.

The spoils of their labor? Devinemac Bags, a collection of prissy-meets-punk designs in nine basic styles (from totes to bowling bags) sewn in everything from fabric store remnants to embroidered vintage curtains to Grandma’s silk bathrobe. No two bags are alike; prices vary according to which (and how much) material is used.

So you can reap the ultra-cool rewards of Bridget and Toni’s “useless” education.

And while you’re at it, buy one for Aunt Betty. She could use a little originality.

Available online at devinemac.com.