Now that winter has retreated to the Artic (fingers crossed!), we’re seeing the first signs of warm weather. The piles of dirty snow are melting, the sun is staying out for a few more minutes each day, and the red-wing blackbirds have returned to our neighborhood marsh. But, what’s our favorite reminder of spring’s re-appearance? The arrival of the latest shipments of warm-weather ready bags and totes from Europe. Here at the office, Sue and Therese are excited to share these fun and colorful accessories. The perfect companions for trips to the beach, farm market, office, or an outdoor concert.
Artiga—Magescq, France
Vibrant rainbow colors make the signature Artiga “look.” These bags represent the connection to the outdoor lifestyle, so prevalent in southwest France, where they are designed and made. In the late 1990s, Quitterie Delfour purchased a small dress maker in Magescq. As the new owner, she decided growing the business meant adding products and Quitterie saw the future in fashion accessories crafted in the traditional Basque canvas of the region. All Artiga products are constructed from natural cotton or a linen and cotton blend.
Click on any of the bags for more product information
The southwest coast of France is beautiful and filled with rich history. From the pristine beaches to the prehistoric and cultural sites. You will never want to leave this beautiful part of France.
French Cinch-Top Tote
French Large Reversible Tote
French Stripe Espadrille Handbag
French Wine Tote
Klo Design—Turku, Finland
Located on Finland’s west coast lies Turku and it’s here where Dani Aavinen founded Klo Design. Dani and his talented team of designers create an evolving collection of stylish accessories, homewares, clothing, textiles, and furniture. Many of the fabric designs and colors are riffs on Finnish nature themes—pine boughs, pinecones, squirrels (how cute are the squirrel bags?), and birds. Dani believes in combining good quality and timeless design in all Klo products.
Torku, Finland is the oldest city in Finland with archeological finds dating to the StoneAge and the city founded in Medieval times. Located on the Baltic Sea, it was a always a market town and still remains a major hub in Finland.
Finish Small Messenger Bag
Finnish Shopping Tote
Finish Small Purse
Finnish Squirrel Messenger Bag
Where we shop…. first in Aquitaine on the southwest corner of France near the Spanish border and then onto Turku, Finland on the Baltic Sea
Discover where we shop:
Aquitaine—www.tourisme-
France—int.rendezvousenfrance.
Discover more:
Turku Touring—www.turkutouring.fi/
Visit Finland—www.visitfinland.com/
Chris Ellibee
Co-founder and CEO of EuropeanMarket.US, an online boutique offering distinctive European homewares, accessories, crafts, antiques, and toys. He’s the former editor of
several Better Homes and Gardens magazines, including—Bedroom & Bath, Beautiful Interiors, and Holiday Celebrations. A proud graduate of the University of Arkansas (Go
Hogs!), Chris started his career in public relations in Washington, DC.
You can find Chris here:
Twitter @EuropeanMrkt
Facebook: European Market
Pinterest: European Market
Website: European Market website
YouTube—EuropeanMarketTV
