Cathy Fladeland and Regina O'Connor of Elli and Friends had only been in the handbag business for a few months before they were thrust into the global spotlight. Their secret weapon was none other than the most talked about woman in politics, Sarah Palin.

"A friend of a friend of a friend" knew the Republican vice presidential nominee, so they sent her their A Night on the Town purse. The colorful bag with the green velvet trim clearly impressed Sarah, who began to coordinate it with her designer outfits during the campaign.

"She must have liked it and found it functional in her busy schedule," Cathy Fladeland said.

Much has been made of Sarah Palin's massive wardrobe budget, so it's refreshing to note how affordable the Elli and Friends handbags are. The limited edition "works of art" purses retail for less than $100. Sarah's beloved bag is no longer available, but the same style with different fabric costs just $58.75.

So what's next for the girls from Elli and Friends? They'd love to see Michelle Obama or her daughters carrying their purses at Barack Obama's inauguration!

"To see the kids walking into the White House with our bags would make our hearts sing," Cathy Fladeland laughed. "Hey, if you don't aim high, you're not going to get anywhere."

Elli and Friends bags are available from Only Nails Only Us in Wheaton and from the company's website.

[Source: Daily Herald]
[Image Source: Sskennel/Flickr]

Sarah Palin Handbags on eBay

Sarah Palin Republican GOP McCain Handbag Mirror US $11.95   Auction Ends: 15d 7h 47m Make it yours...

Love her or hate her, everyone has an opinion about John McCain's Republican running mate, Sarah Palin. And now you can steal her style with a handbag designed with the gun-toting Alaskan governor in mind.

South Carolina bag designer Lissa Kemp Myers, owner of In the Bag, has created the "Sarah" to capture the personality and style of the mother of five and vice presidential candidate.

The Sarah is a medium purse made from metallic green leather, a shade chosen to Ms Palin's love of the great outdoors. The spacious interior represents Sarah's playful side with its hot pink satin lining.

"And, of course, we had to add two side pockets to hold those adorable eye glasses she sports, as well as that very important lipstick she can't be without!" Ms Myers quipped.

The Sarah will cost $230 from In the Bag. If you're not a Sarah Palin fan, perhaps the Cindy or Michelle will be more to your tastes. These beautiful bags honoring the prospective first ladies will also be available through the In the Bag website.

[Source: PR.com]
[Image Source: NewsHour/Flickr]

Political Bags on eBay

ANTI OBAMA POLITICAL SICKNESS BARF BAG US $4.95   Auction Ends: 26d 2h 54m Make it yours...