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As a long time friend to StyleBlueprint, we are thrilled to let you know that Memphis designer Katie Kalsi, whom we first highlighted here two years ago, has been picked up by BELK! Yes, into 70 stores. Our handbag princess has certainly spread her wings. Known for well-crafted bags that are “wearable art,” we all knew it wouldn’t be long until this line was discovered by the rest of the country.

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Here is Katie on the front page of the Belk handbag section!

Katie’s background — she started her career painting contemporary works on canvas with both oils and acrylics — quickly led her to merge her artistic talent with her eye for fashion. With new collections of handbags that continue to emerge, the one bag that remains as the central focus of the line is the Sophie with its removable shoulder straps. Each strap is hand-painted and has a guitar strap look and feel. Seeing as she grew up not far from Graceland, and Priscilla Presley is a proud owner, we’d say the comparison is perfect.

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With many more colors available, you can click this photo for other options and more information

And, in case you don’t remember from a couple years back, Katie’s whole business began when, with no previous sewing experience, she designed and hand-stitched 24 hobo-style bags in her home. She bought distinctive skins of leather and cut each into shoulder straps. She then integrated designs from her signature paintings onto her straps. Attaching the shoulder straps to the bags with fabulous hardware, the roots of Katie Kalsi Handbags was born.

Katie gave 23 of those first bags to friends and family members and asked them to carry them around Memphis. How brilliant is that? The last bag she carried herself. It wasn’t long before women all over Memphis wanted one of “those” bags! Genius marketing, simply genius.

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The display at the Belk.

We are just bursting with pride and had to share this fabulous news. Katie’s personal commitment to handbag design and function, as well as her understanding the importance of a handbag to a woman’s wardrobe shines. Having 100% customer satisfaction is her priority.

And, for all Belk Elite Rewards Card holders, grab a Katie Kalsi bag today, March 14, 2012, for 25% off! 2-10PM marks the ELITE SHOPPING NIGHT AT BELK. Elite customers will receive 25% off all *regular, sale and clearance purchases store-wide when they use their Belk elite rewards card during this event. *Exclusions apply. Check with your local Belk for more details.

To become a fan of Katie Kalsi’s Handbags via Facebook, click here. She has more handbags coming… and the images we have seen are gorgeous!

 

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About the Author
Liza Graves

As CEO of StyleBlueprint, Liza also regularly writes for SB. Most of her writing is now found in the recipe archives as cooking is her stress relief!