Chicago - September 26, 2006

Give to Me Your Leather

Sharon Elaine Designs

You’ve got your eye on a real stunner of a Marc Jacobs bag.

High-quality, buttery leather. Perfect gold hardware. Just enough pockets. And a price tag that says your gaze is the only part of you that’ll ever touch it.

But when you spy the bags from Sharon Elaine you’re going to give designer Sharon Dennis a hand. Growing up, Dennis was a regular at Nashville’s vintage boutiques, so the collection is influenced by the classic buckles, simple stitching, and timeless shapes she used to find.

There’s the signature Ring Hobo, with antique brass accents and a contoured shoulder strap for easy wearing; the Mini Pocket Bag, with handles to rock a Pleasantville ladylike look; and the Embossed Wallet Clutch, with zipper pockets and double snaps, perfect for carrying the essentials around town at night. Made of a supple Italian leather, each bag is soft and relaxed without feeling dated or tired.

But the best part: They all come in under $300.

Which means the sooner you get your hands on one, the better.

Available at Shebang, 1616 North Damen Avenue, at North Avenue (773-486-3800 ); Mint, 2150 North Seminary Avenue, at Webster Avenue (773-322-2944); online at sharonelaine.net.