Handbags with a Vintage Flare by Jodi Been

Let me introduce to you one of our favorite West Coast handbag designers, Jodi Been. To say we are obsessed is an understatement. Jodi knows how to incorporate a modern spin on a retro bag. If you followed our fashion week coverage, you may have noticed a neon clutch in some of the pictures. Yes, the Sabina clutch is one of Jodi's designs!

photo courtesy of Diego Zuko for Harper’s Bazaar

Pictured carrying the Sabina clutch in Harper's BAZAAR street style from New York Fashion Week with friend and fellow fashion blogger, Courtney Kerr.

Jodi decided to start her own line in 2011 after working as a corporate designer for over ten years in the fashion industry. She zoned in on bags and clutches because bags are such a visible way to reflect style, accessories in general are probably one of the best outlets to allow women to express their styles, tastes and truly create their own looks. Jodi started collecting vintage bags and raided thrift stores for the best and most unique silhouettes that she could find as a teenager. There was just something about clutches, their simplistic nature and purpose that I felt really drew me in. - JodiThe very essence of the Jodi Been line is "re-mastered" and "re-interpreted" vintage. The signature look to her collection combines not only new but also old elements. Many of the bags I develop are based off of vintage silhouettes. To make them fresh and new, I combine materials and trims, hardware and unexpected fabric mixes.

You may be wondering where her inspiration comes from. Well Jodi let us know! Inspiration comes daily in many forms, and my eyes and ears are always open no matter what city I am in. When I first interned for Betsey Johnson in NYC during a summer break, I was enchanted with what I saw on a day-to-day basis: architecture, museums, stores on 8th Street and St.Marks, the list goes on and on.

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Now let's get down to business! Where you can buy Jodi Been handbags: they are available in a few select boutiques in California, Illinois and Wisconsin. Check out  Arm Candy Boutique if you are in Santa Monica, CA. This boutique features designers that only produce in America, and they carry a full range of the line. A wide selection of styles are also available online at www.AntoniaBee.com.