As many of you know, while we were in New York two months ago Matt and I stopped by The Gigi New York factory.  I mentioned I was working on a fun project with them, and it has finally come to fruition!  Gigi selected 5 bloggers to redesign a purse of our choice, and they picked me to be the first one!  I have been a huge Gigi New York fan for years, so I was thrilled when they proposed the idea to me.  It truly was a dream come true to be involved in the whole design process and see how their purses are made. 

They asked me to select my favorite handbag from their line.  I was torn between the Tori and the Teddie, because they are both favorites of mine.  I really like a bigger tote style bag to have room for all my stuff and the kid’s stuff too.   After I selected the bag they asked me for fabric ideas to narrow it down.  I had envisioned a textured leather, almost like crocodile or ostrich leather.  They then mailed me a package of leather samples to feel and see what I liked.  Remember their leather wall?  They have so many different leathers that have never been used before.

I received the samples in the mail and 3 favorites immediately stood out.

When I visited the factory in August, Gigi had made sample purses out of the three leathers for me to feel and actually see in person. We loved two of the leathers so much we decided to offer the both the Teddie and Tori Re-Invent-It instead of just the one. This made me ecstatic because it was next to impossible to choose a favorite out of the two.

After I made my final leather decision we then talked about details of the purses. We had several conference calls and emailed back and forth during this process.  I like an open purse with no dividers.  As a busy mom I can fit more things in this way.  My sister said she also preferred this open style to fit in her laptop.  So both bags have an open center, but they also have side zippered pockets, which I love to store my phone in.

We settled on our final two designs the beginning of September: the Tori in Embossed black Crocodile and the Teddie in Tejus Leather.

Tori in Black Crocodile | Teddie in brown Tejus

I love both purses equally.  It was hard for me to choose a favorite.  If you have seen me around town I have been carrying the black crocodile Tori.

Both leathers are incredibly soft.  They just feel and look luxurious   I like that they are timeless and classic but still have a slight edge.

Black Tori Tote | Embossed Nappa Crocodile Leather

Teddie Tote | Brown Tejus Leather

I love the color of this purse.  It is the perfect everyday color for year round.

Here is close up of the detail which is hard to see on the web page.

This tote is slightly more structured with a stiffer bottom and wider straps.

Both bags
are limited edition and limited quanity so once they sell out that is
it!   I am thrilled to offer you guys a free iPhone 6 or 6 plus case
with your purchase.

Keep the iPhone case for you or they make great Christmas gifts as well.

Use code NATALIEIC6– for iPhone 6 case

and NATALIEI6P – For IPhone 6 Plus case 

With holidays around the corner you can now get free shipping my Re-Invent-It purses and a discounted personalization rate.

It is hard for me to put into words what a dream it was to work with Gigi and re-design these purses.  

I feel so grateful for this amazing opportunity!

Outfit and Purse Details:

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Photo Credit | Rick Dean Photography