My grandma Esther always called hers a “pocketbook” and was prepared to pull out almost anything you would want from its voluminous cargo hold. Some women call them purses and have many variations in size, color and style to accessorize any outfit they can come up with. They are filled with the important things a woman 
must have to get through her day, and the search for the “perfect” handbag to contain such items is the stuff of legend. Fashion watchers, such as myself, tout the latest and greatest trendy styles that are available for what might possibly be the single most coveted item a woman can own. Carrying the aforementioned purse can also be a huge hassle depending on where she is and what she is doing.
I remember being in New York City at a club with my friend Crystal, and while we were on the dance floor, she would sort of kick and shuffle her purse around as we moved from place to place. On another occasion she left it on a table no more than 3 feet from us so she could “keep an eye” on it. I had a feeling that this would be a recipe for disaster, but we kept on dancing. Of course, I was right. In the blink of an eye her shoulder bag was gone, and with it, her identification, credit cards and any other precious valuables therein. What could she have used in lieu of a purse? The fanny pack does come to mind at this point, but no matter what, something that hideous should only be used for hiking or for a really square tourist. Does the phrase “ugly American” have meaning to you?
I recently received a note about a new product designed by a savvy local gal. Immediately, I thought it was worthy of sharing with the all of you out in the blogosphere!
Leslie Van Dorf, lifelong Wisconsin resident, born in Milwaukee and raised in Dousman, had a great idea that has taken her years to conceive and develop. Purse-Les, a new line of apparel that women can use for all their essential items instead of using a bag was her “Eureka” moment. It’s basically a garment with built-in hidden pockets for carrying valuables. This obviously won’t take the place of a purse, but it wasn’t meant to. Intrigued, I thought I would ask her a few questions about her new venture.
Where did you get the idea to help women with this issue?
LVD: How many occasions has a woman wished they were not carrying a purse? Going to a concert, fair, nightclub, working out or even traveling in a foreign country, lugging around a purse can be a liability.
How did you come up with the concept and design?
LVD: I am a cosmetologist (Erik of Norway School alum), and there has never been a day in my 24 years as a stylist that I have not enjoyed listening to women and making them feel better about themselves. I have done a lot of research working on apparel that is uncompromising and stylish.
So this new line was in response to personal experience?
LVD: Over the years I always wished I had an easier place to hold my identification, money, credit cards and makeup. At times I heard that some women in this situation were using their bras as a holder for these items, so why not make a garment with pockets for a better look? And yes, I have felt the sheer panic and inconvenience of having to replace everything in my purse, and the knowledge that someone could steal my identity in a moment!
What is the line comprised of?
LVD: Purse-Les Sport is a sport bra type of top that will be great for fitness enthusiasts, and Purse-Les tank is really a layering piece that could be worn for many occasions, either under other garments like sweaters and jackets or alone with jeans and skirts! They come in white, red, black and gray.
Is this just the beginning for your line of unique apparel?
LVD: The future of Purse-Les is endless. We are already looking at three new styles, including a dress. Our next color palette that we will introduce is in olive and pink. That neutral green will be such a perfect layering piece for military women or anyone for that matter, as well as a candy pink, which we hope will help raise awareness about breast cancer. A percentage of all sales of the product will go to women’s c
harities.
Where are your items sold besides your website www.purse-les.com?
LVD: The base of our sales will be through the Internet on the website. However, we are pursuing many different events such as Gallery Night Oct. 15, where we will be featured at Blush on Water Street in the Third Ward. We will keep people informed as to the events Purse-Les will be participating in through our social networks such as Facebook, Twitter and Stumble Upon.
The perfect marriage of form, fashion, and function is what Ms. Van Dorf has captured, and thank god she has! Warning: Fanny packs, your days are numbered.
Next week: Gallery Night Glamour as Milwaukeeans show their stylish stuff for Fashion Seen’s Mirror Awards!
(Photos courtesy Purse-Les.)
