John Met Betty

What an amazing discovery I've made! I discovered this purse designer when featured at Esse Purse Museum, Little Rock Arkansas (where purses tie to Women's History, if you haven't visited, plan a visit. You'll be so glad you went - see my blog entries about my visit.)  Anyway it took Esse Museum to introduce me to an incredible purse designer right here in my Pacific Northwest backyard.

Meet Jillian Darnell, creative and outstanding artisan who designs and creates these beautiful and eco-friendly purses. I was so thrilled to meet her in "pursen" and be ensconsed amongst her creations. Her purses are the softest leather combined with vintage fabrics. Not everyone can get to one of her shows in the PNW, so be sure to visit her online at johnmetbetty.com
Jillian Darnell has been designing one of a kind vegan leather bags, totes and clutches for over 10 years. Originally from Toronto Canada, she studied fine arts at The University of Waterloo and Fashion Design at George Brown College in Toronto. Her interest in design and leatherwork began while working in the leather industry in Acton Ontario. Jillian now resides on Bainbridge Island in Washington State with her husband, two boxers and two cats. All handbags are created with eco-friendly faux leathers and new and vintage fabrics from start to finish by Jillian in her home studio.

Just hanging out, admiring the shoulder bags. Not only good looking, some organization inside, and such pretty linings.

Do you love the unique name of the company as much as I do?  Here's the fun story behind the name - direct from the designer herself
John Met Betty is named after my grandparents John & Betty Thompson, who shared a flair for style, a storybook romance and a love for the PNW. Jillian's grandparents John & Betty met and married in Vancouver BC, they had their first date riding bikes in Stanley Park. Growing up in Ontario, Canada, I often heard stories about their lives out west, picture books of the west coast lined my grandparents coffee table. It was serendipitous that my husband and I ended up out here 10 years ago, it feels like fate in many ways. With my family history in the PNW and  a love equal to what my grandparents had for this magical place, I felt it was fitting to name my company after them.

Are you a crossbody fan? Check out these lovelies. And here's an awesome twist on it, for those of us in rainy and snowy climates the vintage material is protected with a waterproof exterior. How clever and as you can see it doesn't detract at all from the style.

Well, for all big bag girls, here you go. Not only are these Totes fashionable and have a secure snap closure, they are even expandable for those days you're carrying extra. That front is a nice, big exterior pocket too for ipad, phone, glasses, anything else you need quick access to because it's nice and roomy and is secured with an impressively strong magnetic.

Gorgeous clutches, wristlets. I admit that although I usually favor big bags, it was actually these temptresses that first drew me to learn more about John Met Betty
Again, beautiful leather, and just look at those intriguing splashes of vintage material. That leather trim is confidently held down with a magnetic as well.  Don't you just love a kiss clasp?

Here's my clutch purchase for now, although it was so hard for me to choose.  I'm enjoying carrying it as a wristlet, and after buying it just last night I'm already getting lots of compliments from people.  I'll be back shopping online for the holidays

What a great idea for glasses cases. I already regret that I didn't buy that French Bulldog design while I was there.