San Francisco - September 15, 2006

The Braidy Bunch

Bryna Nicole Handbags

You’re a safety girl from way back. Always ready with a prophylactic. Never in a car without wearing your seatbelt. Usually equipped with a can of pepper spray. And you’d never walk down a dark alley alone.

But don’t let that stop you from wearing a handbag named after one.

For her debut collection, designer Bryna Hubbs scoured a map of San Francisco’s discreet alleyways to find names for her super-soft yet oh-so-sensible Italian calf- or lambskin bags.

Each one — except the Hallam clutch — features a signature braided leather strap and a sturdy antiqued brass chain. The unstructured Minna makes it easy to keep your valuables close to the body (so sensible!), while exterior pouches on the Sabine put the essentials (Tic Tacs, wet wipes) close at hand. And the roomy Isis tote is all about options (leather drawstring, lots of pockets, interior storage for your cellie, etc.). The bags come in classic colors like cream, black, and chocolate, but you might also opt for gunmetal or plum.

You know. If, on the off chance, you feel like throwing caution to the wind.

Available at Mingle, 1815 Union Street, between Gough and Octavia Streets (415-674-8811); online at brynanicole.com.